Hooray for violent video games!
That’s not the point. But it’s a good day for free speech.
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a California ban on selling or renting violent video games to people younger than 18.
The 7-2 decision was cheered by the $10 billion video-game industry and free- speech advocates, and lamented by self-appointed protectors of the nation’s morality.
The vaguely worded legislation that sought to impose punishments on stores selling violent video games to minors was shot down (destroyed by lasers?). While most of us would agree there are repulsive bits in many of the most popular video games (“Grand Theft Auto”) and watching too much is bad for children and other living things, we’ll decide for ourselves.
To have been subject to the proposed ban, the game must have lacked “serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.” The problem is, who’s to judge?
Once the government starts making decisions about the literary, artistic and other values of a piece of entertainment, it’s Game Over.
The court will pick up the FCC indecency case next fall, returning to the question of whether the restrictions on broadcasters’ speech violates the First Amendment.
“Love in the Wild.”
Reality TV dating shows generally amount to drunken innuendo and smack talk, in which dashed fairy-tale dreams are chronicled by cameras in a claustrophobic loft or an over-the-top manse.
The formula is time-tested. Simply cast explosive, camera-craving personalities in situations likely to turn ugly, and add alcohol. Heartbreak is as much a part of the proceedings as the inevitable hot-tub scene.
This week, there’s a twist.
An addition to the genre, “Love in the Wild,” turns out to be strangely appealing, a more sincere take on the old formula of bad chemistry and elimination rounds.
NBC’s “Love in the Wild,” premiering at 9 p.m. Wednesday on KUSA-Channel 9, does away with the formal dress and castle of the “Bachelor/ Bachelorette” model, substituting a jungle and rustic cabins for the strangers (10 men, 10 women) seeking love and/or a trip around the world. Singles have a chance to stick with the partner they’ve landed with — in a selection process based on looks — or trade for someone more companionable.
It’s equal parts “Amazing Race” and “Survivor,” in newly formed couples who may uncouple before the end of the episode.
The contestants range from dimwitted to clever, capable adventurers to city slickers who have no business roaming a Costa Rican rain forest.
The first challenge is to build a raft and traverse a crocodile-infested river.
Really, this should be the mandatory first date for any couple wondering if they’re meant to be together. No champagne, no rose. Just a physical challenge that requires combined effort and communication. Think of the months and years of wasted dating effort that might be avoided if potential couples first had to complete a joint building project.
Maybe it’s because the most prominent players in the first hour of “Love in the Wild” are likable human beings; maybe the whole enterprise devolves into crude and rude behavior later in the run. For now, though, it’s worth a look.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
