Finding the Pulse of Reality TV

It's hard to argue that the explosion of reality television over the past few years is a sign of the networks trying to tighten their budgets. After all, these shows require not script writers, set construction or actor salaries. Still, there are signs of life within this fledgling industry:

• "Who Wants to be a Superhero?" (Sci-Fi Channel): There have been reality shows targeted to nearly every demographic. Singles, wannabe rappers, the obese and even the Amish (Oh "Amish in the City," why did you leave us?) have been included in this televised phenomenon. But, just as in a game of kickball, the nerds have been left out. Luckily comic book legend Stan Lee has stepped in and created "Who wants to be a Superhero?" The show follows 12 misfit civilians as they try to prove to Lee that their alter egos have what it takes to be the next comic book sensation. But, as in the comics, the heroes soon learn that responsible behavior and a good nature are more important than the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
  
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• "MXC" (Spike TV):More a reality show parody, "MXC" takes footage from the Japanese "endurance" (more like torture) challenge "Takeshi's Castle" and dubs over it with made up, English dialogue. It's impossible not to laugh as contestants are put through brutal challenges (many involving 15 foot falls into shallow puddles of mud) or harassed by Guy LeDouche, the perverted commentator.
  
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• "Black. White." (FX): Produced by rapper Ice Cube, the program takes one black family and one white family and switches their races using heavy makeup. It's incredibly interesting to watch the families change places, listen to their interpretations of daily events and speak with people who are unaware of their true skin tone. It's a case study of American race relations, and it's a breath of fresh air to those sick of reality shows where the objective is to see who can be covered in the most fire ants.
  
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• "My Super Sweet 16" (MTV): Arguably the greatest reality show EVER created. Each episode a young heiress is thrown an extravagant party while not appreciating her parents are spending more on one night than most people will ever make in their lives. It's enjoyable on two levels: Some will enjoy it as a glimpse into the lives of the children of our countries wealthiest. Others are a bit more sadistic and love to watch the waterworks start when daddy buys the spoiled princess a blue Porsche instead of a red one. I'm a fan of the later.
  
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Reality TV has gained its share of opponents, but with some creativity perhaps it could be transformed from a genre of spectacle and shock value to one that educates and entertains in a legitimate manner.