Reality TV: When You Tune In Because You Know The Real Life Outcome
By Small Town Gosselins guest blogger Mickey Mckean
I am a dedicated viewer of the RHOBH. I didn't miss an episode from Season 1, and I certainly have not missed an episode from Season 2. It is not likely that I will miss one, either, since I know that filming this reality show contributed to Russell Armstrong's suicide.
I need to mention that I've known people who have committed suicide. Therefore I know from personal experience that for those of us who are left behind, we are forever left questioning ourselves about whether we missed something that might have saved a life had we paid closer attention it .
Even though I'm educated about reality TV and know careful editing has been done, I am very aware of the timeline of real life events in regards to the Armstrongs. With hindsight being 20/20 I find I am watching for clues that Russell was on the verge of "cracking," and I wonder if those around him missed any obvious signs. Or were there just a lot of little things that could have been easily dismissed?
Because we know of the real life events, my BF is now hooked on the show, and he has looked for signs too. Both of us were literally cringing for Taylor Armstrong when she and her husband were asked to leave Kyle's white party because Russell sent an email to Camille threatening legal action for what she said on camera (and more likely than not, eventually threatening legal action to the other cast members too.) Whereas Taylor did not seem to know of the email, she was very aware while sitting in the limo that her husband was processing the fact that they were just asked to leave a party because they were no longer welcomed around the group and it was all being captured on film. I kid you not, we could tell that Taylor was scared of what her husband would say or do to her once they were alone and behind closed doors.
But we are just viewers watching something that happened months ago ... what about the producers and camera guys who were there at the time? Surely they had to be somewhat concerned for Taylor ... or was it just a job to them and besides, it would be good for ratings?
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