Denise Richards and Her New Reality Show: It's Complicated? Not Really

First, a confession - I've never been a rabid fan of Denise Richards. However, there were some movies where I found her watchable and not the worst of actresses. For some reason, one person in this house (no, I'm not giving details and it wasn't me) really liked Starship Troopers and another liked Wild Things.

Because the info was on many magazine covers, I knew a bit about some parts of her life before she did the reality show, It's Complicated.Also, since I just watched It's Complicated on E!, perhaps a sneak preview of what is to come on Sunday, I thought someone out there might want one person's take on the show.

Basically, this show does nothing good for Richards. Nada. Zip. Maybe I'm wrong and viewers will love to see a relatively pretty woman, not only being charming (sometimes) but also at her absolute worst. Perhaps this show is typical of the train wreck that is the world of some reality shows and this is the sort of "drama" that hooks viewers.

Before moving on to further details about the show, I have to note that It's Compicated was being shown at 10 am on a Saturday. Any kid could have watched it, at least if the house had cable. Parents might want to take note of that. But taking off my Mom hat and getting back to the show....

Quick info about Denise Richards, star of the reality show It's Complicated.

Most of the info here is revealed in the first episodes of It's Complicated so you could save yourself the search if you watch the show. Otherwise you can find the info here at IMDB www.imdb.com or similar sites. Denise Richards married Charlie Sheen, had two daughters, went through a divorce, got involved with Richie Sambora (who was divorcing from Heather Locklear). Okay, if you followed all that, you have most of the relevant background info. I left out some of the more graphic details, easily found online or at various sites showing videos from entertainment and celebrity reality shows.

Before the marriage mess, she was shown in such movies as Wild Things and Starship Troopers. She also appeared in some episodes of Two and A Half Men, back when she and Charlie Sheen were on speaking terms. When the marriage decompressed, the press duly noted that Heather Locklear and Denise Richards had been "best friends" before Richards took up with Sambora. Also, the court records of the divorce leaked to the press as well so most of the allegations from both sides were revealed to all. The hostility and attacks flew fast and furiously, most of it covered by the press.

All of that drama, I assume, was enough to keep people interested in Denise Richard and also snagged her the reality show, It's Complicated. As I watched Denise Richards in this one, I can honestly note that couldn't tear my eyes from the screen... but that is mostly because I do not usually watch reality shows and I don't want to watch another episode, not unless the show becomes far more appealing. Swearing, watching pigs mate and viewing a closet filled with Dolce & Gabbana shoes doesn't cut it for me. Watching Richards snap at a journalist is also not a compelling moment in television history.

I don't know how much Richards got paid to reveal her life to viewers of E! television but if this was an attempt to salvage her career or show her at her best, then she may have made a serious mistake here. They say there is no such thing as bad publicity but I think this show disproves that. Denise Richards is relatively attractive and has assets but her various physical attributes are not portrayed well once she offsets them by opening her mouth, especially in what appear to be unscripted moments ( at least, I pray they are unscripted).

Truly watchable moments of the show are few and far between

Is the show worth watching? Perhaps to those who like a certain sort of drama. Richards is often disarmingly honest but she also swears like crazy and the bleeps take up a good part of the soundtrack. Her father scolds her about that. At one point, seemingly out of the blue, she decides that one of her pigs (yes, she owns pigs) needs to be impregnated and viewers get to see that as well. Gee, how...odd.

Then there is the confrontation of a celebrity publicist during one episode of It's Complicated. Richards starts off relatively calm and well-mannered. Also, to be fair, the publicist doesn't come across well. When Richards ask her to stop putting so many negative and potentially untrue articles out there, the publicist urges Richards to "give her something" and actually asks her if it was her mother's "dying wish" the Denise Richards do this reality show! Understandably, Richards tears up, shocked and upset.

That moment alone could have won her some sympathy with viewers. But then she has a temper tantrum, loses it and swears at the journalist when the woman answers her phone. Much of what Denise Richards says is bleeped out, but it isn't hard to figure out that the language is graphic and crude. The only plus in the whole moment is that the publicist comes across as being on par with Richards, revealing an eagerness to probe into every aspect of Denise's life. To her credit, Denise Richards does not say that it was her mother's dying wish that she do It's Complicated. She is too busy trying to hold back the tears.

It's Complicated is neither complicated or enjoyable.

Okay, here is where I can't separate my feelings as a parent from that of a viewer of the reality show, That's Complicated, albeit a viewer who is trying to look at the show with some measure of objectivity. Objectivity fell sway to disgust. As I watched, I cringed every time the cameras focused on Denise's daughters. They are beautiful young girls who seem caught in the headlights as they watch their mother cry when giving a party for her father. Should they really be on camera? Should their lives - and that of their mother- be paraded in front of viewers? Does Richards need the money that badly? If so, then she truly has my sympathy and I'm glad I'm not in that position.

Ultimately, a reality show's success depends on ratings. I don't think this one will make it. Listening to Denise Richards swear, seeing her closet full of Dolce & Gabbana Shoes or listening to her complain about how Perez Hilton said she looked like an "80's hooker" is only vaguely interesting (and that is being generous). Maybe I'm wrong and the rest of the world will find far more dramatic tension her or relate to Denise Richards in some way. Me? I simply winced and cringed my way through each viewing....and am relieved it is over.

(Source: 10 and 11 am episodes of It's Complicated on Channel 19, E! television on June 7)