The most tasteless shows on TV didn't seem to be mentioned: Wife Swap, Fear Factor, and daytime "train wreck" talk shows on topics like trying to figure out who a baby's daddy is just to name a few.

As far as I'm concerned Ms. Havrilesky is welcome to say whatever she wants about reality contestants, who must know by now that is part of the game, as is being edited to appear to be a certain type of character. Where she goes too far is insulting South Park. It remains one of the funniest, most relevant shows on television. I'd be impressed even if they didn't write and complete some episodes within just a week or two of an event happening that the show is about; which they often do. Yes social commentary gets well coated in juvenile humor, which is to be expected on Comedy Central and keeps people laughing and watching. As for Drawn Together, that one doesn't work for me either as the name seems apt -- just a bunch of random elements thrown, excuse me, drawn together.

As for Jeff Probst, I wonder if he really is pondering leaving Survivor now that his contract is ending, or if saying that is a negotiation ploy. He does have a great deal of sway on the show, and I can't imagine it continuing without him after this long. Surely he can pack up his idol and go home, financially set for life, and good for him if he does. Maybe his contract negotiations should be a reality show.

First episode of Survivor, first Tribal Council. Probst finishes the speechifying, survivors finish voting. And Probst says "I'll go tally the votes." Tally means to count, to add up. He's fetching the votes -- he doesn't tally them until he brings them back and starts counting. It's bugged me ever since.