This was so upsetting. When I saw they cast the brilliant Thomas Willeford (greatest maker ever) as one of the judges, I thought, "Okay, they're doing this right. This show has potential". However, it quickly turned into every other "enhanced reality" show on television. They hit every cliché. The overly dramatic music, close-ups of people crying, and casting participants who seem more interested in being on television than crafting cool projects. Reality television, in general, has become this dumping ground for wanna be actors...which is fine I guess. However, if these are the competitors you want to entice, then call the show, "Who wants to be an actor?" Don't call a show called "Steampunk'd" and then fill it with overly dramatic casting call chasers determined to stab each other in the back because it makes for "good drama". The cruelty and backstabbing is not an accurate representation of the steampunk culture (from what I've seen). This show doesn't portray the steampunk genre in a positive light. I have many friends who are part of this community and there is not the sense of treachery. From what I've seen most steampunk aficionados are very supportive of one another and encourage creativity. At conventions, folks compare ideas and character back stories with excitement because they share a similar passion. To me, the steampunk community is a welcoming culture of artists. This aesthetic is not portrayed on the "Steampunk'd" show, which was very disappointing.
Review of Steampunk'd
