Television Review: Blow Out
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this series is definitely geared
toward adults. With its relatively low profile, it's unlikely
to be too popular among most teens. But for those interested in
the business of hair products, hair styling, or ego-driven
reality TV, the show is sure to have a strong appeal. Because
of that, parents need to be aware that the star is a selfish
egomaniac with few admirable traits; this is train-wreck TV at
its finest.
Families can talk about how a person behaves when thrust into
the celebrity spotlight. Does reality TV make a self-centered
man, or does the self-centered man make reality TV? Does
finding fame give anyone the right to be rude or selfish? Is
there any part of the show that teens find inspiring?
Bravo's BLOW OUT follows famed hairstylist Jonathan Antin's professional and personal life as he progresses into this millennium's Paul Mitchell. Key members of his staff are also introduced, as well as the occasional issues they run into: needing a new shampoo assistant, wanting to go with Jonathan on his side jobs (photo shoots, runway shows, visits to celebrity clients). The show is at the top of the list when it comes to guilty-pleasure television. Antin has opened three salons, started a successful product line, and had a son since the series started in 2004, but at this point, his ego should have its own line in the opening credits; his over-the-top persona never disappoints, though one would hope it gets a break when the cameras are off.
Ultimately, Jonathan acts as if he is at the center of the universe. He claims to carry the "burdens" of success, family, and friends, and cries at the drop of a hat when he's overwhelmed -- crocodile tears for the camera, perhaps? Thanks to his passive-aggressive nature, one minute he'll be putting down associates and business partners in meetings or on the salon's floor, only to kiss the same people goodbye and apologize for how busy he is the next. This behavior only underscores his overblown self-importance.
Can't-look-away car-crash behavior aside, Jonathan's products and successful salons speak volumes about his ability to win over clients -- and viewers. At $500 a haircut, and with a growing list of celebrity clients, who wouldn't want to watch? Bottom line: When watched with the right perspective, Blow Out is a good lesson in learning not to take yourself too seriously.
Cheerleader NationMADE
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