Model's ship sinks in 'Anchorwoman'
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Sunday, August 19, 2007
Anything for ratings? That's why staffers at KYTX think when their station manager hires a former "Price is Right" model to be an anchor.
Lacking any experience (but possessing a "Legally Blonde" wardrobe), Lauren Jones moves to Tyler, Texas, and turns heads.
Beginning Wednesday, "Anchorwoman" has a hint of "The Simple Life," but a whole lot of "Extra" in its makeup. It's clear this is a reality show stunt -- one dreamed up by owner Phil Hurley -- but it's not certain how it will go over. Even viewers are skeptical -- despite the come-hither billboards that lead into town.
Jones, too, plays it to the hilt, acting every bit the bimbo others want her to be. On the first day, she wears a low-cut leopard-spotted top that wouldn't be appropriate on "The Naked News."
Stormy, the station's weather dog (that ought to give you a clue), even shuns her. Still, Jones struts in, ready to ply a trade she learned in kindergarten -- reading.
Naturally, veterans like Annalisa Petralia can't believe what they're seeing. She complains -- openly -- then rolls her eyes when men in the office drool all over the newcomer.
While there's a strong scent of manipulation to this series (if "Anchorwoman" didn't exist would KYTX entertain the idea?), it isn't offensive to watch. At times, in fact, it's fun to see just how stupid Jones can act. In the opener, she puts her feet on the dashboard of her car and does her toenails while driving. Two hours before air, she does what any respectable journalist would -- she lotions up.
While the station hardly seems like it's Peabody potential (it does a "word of the day," for heaven's sake), it doesn't look like it needs a stunt to get people watching.
Nonetheless, it's clear "Anchorwoman" is designed to show a learning curve. If Jones didn't look so inept in the beginning, she couldn't appear Emmy-worthy in the end. And, likely, that's what's bound to happen. The tough-as-nails Petralia will probably come to like Jones, the dog will jump in her arms and Hurley will predict her ready for a larger market.
If Jones isn't in on the joke, she should sue. Some of the scenes are worse than amateurish, they're embarrassing.
In person, Jones is hardly this dense. She has a degree, she has good credentials (outside journalism, but in the business world) and she's not just the swimsuit model "Anchorwoman" producers would want you to believe.
She's thrown into the deep end right away. But if you're a betting person, put your money on Jones. She's one anchorwoman who will swim.
"Anchorwoman" airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox.
Lacking any experience (but possessing a "Legally Blonde" wardrobe), Lauren Jones moves to Tyler, Texas, and turns heads.
Beginning Wednesday, "Anchorwoman" has a hint of "The Simple Life," but a whole lot of "Extra" in its makeup. It's clear this is a reality show stunt -- one dreamed up by owner Phil Hurley -- but it's not certain how it will go over. Even viewers are skeptical -- despite the come-hither billboards that lead into town.
Jones, too, plays it to the hilt, acting every bit the bimbo others want her to be. On the first day, she wears a low-cut leopard-spotted top that wouldn't be appropriate on "The Naked News."
Stormy, the station's weather dog (that ought to give you a clue), even shuns her. Still, Jones struts in, ready to ply a trade she learned in kindergarten -- reading.
Naturally, veterans like Annalisa Petralia can't believe what they're seeing. She complains -- openly -- then rolls her eyes when men in the office drool all over the newcomer.
While there's a strong scent of manipulation to this series (if "Anchorwoman" didn't exist would KYTX entertain the idea?), it isn't offensive to watch. At times, in fact, it's fun to see just how stupid Jones can act. In the opener, she puts her feet on the dashboard of her car and does her toenails while driving. Two hours before air, she does what any respectable journalist would -- she lotions up.
While the station hardly seems like it's Peabody potential (it does a "word of the day," for heaven's sake), it doesn't look like it needs a stunt to get people watching.
Nonetheless, it's clear "Anchorwoman" is designed to show a learning curve. If Jones didn't look so inept in the beginning, she couldn't appear Emmy-worthy in the end. And, likely, that's what's bound to happen. The tough-as-nails Petralia will probably come to like Jones, the dog will jump in her arms and Hurley will predict her ready for a larger market.
If Jones isn't in on the joke, she should sue. Some of the scenes are worse than amateurish, they're embarrassing.
In person, Jones is hardly this dense. She has a degree, she has good credentials (outside journalism, but in the business world) and she's not just the swimsuit model "Anchorwoman" producers would want you to believe.
She's thrown into the deep end right away. But if you're a betting person, put your money on Jones. She's one anchorwoman who will swim.
"Anchorwoman" airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox.
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