AMCs "Small Town Security" Show: Where Story (doesn't) Matter Here
By Jojay, 17th Jul 2012 | Follow this author
| RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/_8198c4j/
Posted in WikinutReviewsFilm & TVDrama
Why could AMC be thinking with their newest reality TV show, Small Town Security? Have they forgotten their channel's tagline, "Story matters here?"
Alice might ask the Cheshire Cat why AMC bought a reality TV show
Last night I watched AMCs newest show, “Small Town Security” a reality TV show set in Ringgold, Georgia. (A small town that’s near Chattanooga, Tenn.)
After the show ended, and I could compose myself enough to put words on paper that would not fall under the category of rant with a lot of profanity thrown in; I sat down to write my opinion/review of the July 15th premiere show.
Why? What could AMC, the same network that brought us “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad”, come up with this abysmal reality TV show? Are they jumping on the reality TV band wagon? Oh, say it isn’t so!
The show is about a family business that provides security guards for special events and bodyguard services for people who might be in need of guarding. Chief Joan Koplan, the head of JJK Security and investigations swears like a sailor, has a penchant for ‘dirty’ magazines, (which are delivered to her office) and occasionally smokes a cigar.
It seems Joan once had some connection to Hollywood, did some TV appearances, and had a cable talk show in Ringgold. Joan always wanted to be famous and sent a demo reel on JJK Security and Investigations. A production company bought it and then sold it to AMC. It took two years to get on air and was according to Joan, it was “a nightmare.”
Well, Joanie, tis a nightmare to be shared. Your nightmare was that it wouldn’t get aired and my nightmare was it did! Why did AMC buy it? What could the same network that brought us—slap to face—I’m out of control here!
Taking a deep breath, I go back to the show: Joan thinks that “the interplay with her husband and employees will tickle viewers”, (Quote from Radio & TV Talk with Rodney Ho) and it’s her gut feeling that the show will be a hit. “We get along beautifully together…of course, there’s fighting. But we all kiss and make up. It’s just weird the things that go on.” (Radio & Talk with Rodney Ho)
Lt. Dennis Croft, the operations manager for JJK, said that people told them that the JJK group would make a great reality TV show; Croft had doubts until he saw the demo reel and how they worked as a unit.
Dennis Croft is an employee of "Chief" Joan, and a good friend. He sleeps in the office and is literally at her ‘beck and call’. In the first episode Joan asks him to appear on her public access show, “Joan Koplan’s Forum” as her first guest.
On her show Joan introduces him to the viewers, in a deadpan voice drops the bomb that Dennis Croft, the operations manager who worked with JKK for 12 years, was once a woman called Lt. Denise Croft. Croft was not happy as a woman and wanted to realize her potential as a man.
You might want to know Why didn’t Croft feel the need to enlighten the fine citizens of Ringgold Georgia before appearing on “Joan Koplan’s Forum” cable TV show?
Well folks', he claimed he didn’t tell people about his transition from girl to boy because he wanted to stay ‘below the radar’. I guess he ‘rose above it’ (sarcasm intended) when he thought about all the advantages $$$ of being on a reality TV show.
It’s no coincidence that the first episode of Small Town Security ended with the revelation, gasp, gasp, that Dennis Croft (the man with facial hair) was once a woman.
The other characters in the show are Irwin Koplan, Joan’s husband, Brian Taylor JJK’s office manager, and Christa Stephens the office secretary.
Oh and let me not forget “Lambchop”, Joan’s 14-year old Chihuahua that likes to hump human ankles.
Perhaps "Small Town Security" will find an audience with AMC "Story Matters Here": However, story doesn't seem to matter this time. At least not in the way it “matters’ with their award winning shows, “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men.”
Why wasn’t Small Town Security sold to Bravo? It’s made to order for them. Heck, maybe Bravo could develop into another franchise out of it and call it “Real Small Town Security”.
It would have been a match made it Reality TV heaven.
Comments
17th Jul 2012 (#)
We live in glass houses in today's world and everyone knows what you do unless you are hidden from public eye and above all very private.
Reply to this comment
17th Jul 2012 (#)
Thanking you Jojay for writing and sharing the story.
Reply to this comment
19th Jul 2012 (#)
I agree completely. This show struggled for a story the whole time. Forced "acting" and forced show all together.
Reply to this comment
30th Jul 2012 (#)
the show completely sucks!
Reply to this comment
13th Aug 2012 (#)
AMC has dragged themselves into the mire with this totally non creative piece of gatbage call "Small Town Security" Those sponsors who have signed up to this piece of crap will lose customer base and AMC will take a hit on this worthless, non value added so called entertainment. I'll be sure to tell everyone Zi know not to watch this non creative filth. There are many poor story lines on TV that have a negative inpact on viewers such as children. This show containers no value for any audience and should be cancelled immediately. Shame on you AMC for disrespecting your viewers. You have hit a new low.
Reply to this comment
13th Aug 2012 (#)
I am glad I am not the only one who thinks this show is garbage.
Reply to this comment
14th Aug 2012 (#)
I can not believe that this crap is allowed to be shown. It makes me ashamed to say that I am from Georgia! I guess Georgia is the trashcan of the United States if this and honey boo boo are all that are coming out of what at one time was a great state!
Reply to this comment
14th Aug 2012 (#)
This small town security show is simply the biggest piece of garbage I have ever had the displeasure to try & I mean try to view . It has no content , no story at all . The people in it , if in fact they are people are real are the sickest individuals ever . Please amc through it where it belongs in the garbage , before You loose most of Your subscribers >
Thanks
Reply to this comment
21st Aug 2012 (#)
I agree that this show is way below standards, for any Network. Why is AMC showing it? Typical southern white trash... AMC seems to be pushing Cable companies to pay more for their channel.. Yet if they keep this up...
Reply to this comment
2nd Sep 2012 (#)
This show is so stupid it gives hillbilly's and rednecks a bad name. These people are idiots. It's like stupid is as stupid does. Forest Gump all the way. Somebody shoot this show. The way these people lable themselves as to Chief Joan and Lt. So & So. Who are they trying to impress? AMC, you blew it on this one and I hope you don't have plans to renew this show and if anything, please take if off the air. It's makes AMC look bad...
Reply to this comment
2nd Sep 2012 (#)
ok ..first I'm from ringgold its place I'm proud to call home. between tornados ripping it a part and the economy going to hell redneck or not we all need a little laughter here ..all people are different gay ..straight or just strange..I've seen worse on TV..
Reply to this comment
20th May 2013 (#)
First 'Comic Book Men' now this, AMC is straight trolling IMHO.
Reply to this comment
20th May 2013 (#)
As well feel free to check the viewership of the show. It is under a million viewers every time in the first season and in the second season they can barely crack the half-mil mark.
Why the fuck did they renew this piece of trash? Is it that cheap to make that literally no one can watch it and it is still profitible?
This is the problem with reality t.v. It makes them money even if it makes us cry.
Reply to this comment