99 Cent Video FLASHBACK: Series 7: The Contenders
While Minahan's tale is far from original -- Stephen King's The Running Man and Richard Connell's The Most Dangerous Game utilized similar plots -- his execution is as crafty and memorable as his predecessors. As a blistering indictment of modern television culture and its excesses, Minahan is dead on. Each episode of "The Contenders" is slickly and believably produced, with seductive previews and cliffhangers. Graphic scenes are replayed for maximum television impact; reenactments are inserted using paid "actors," and a running narration eerily similar to those broadcasted weekly by "Cops" and "America's Most Wanted" accompanies each installment. In fact, aside from the body count, there are few differences between "The Contenders" and today's most popular reality TV shows.
In addition, the contestants' relationship with the camera accurately resembles the behavior of the typical reality show guest. While none of the participants initially wish to play the game, it quickly becomes evident that all but one of them enjoys the attention of the camera and the opportunity to become television "stars," even if it costs them their lives. Their on-camera behavior, including their penchant for airing their dirty laundry to the viewing public, are all that much more believable after viewing episodes of "Survivor" and "MTV's Real World," two of several reality-based shows Minahan is clearly attempting to lampoon.
But Minahan's critique is not limited solely to the mass media. In many ways, Series 7 is equally a denunciation of government's growing authority and its influence upon the media. In fact, the government and TV media are virtually portrayed as one in the same. Police powers are carried out not by law enforcement, but by the network's "special operatives" agents, and participants for the show are selected by their federal ID card in a government sanctioned lottery. In addition, the omnipresent narrator of "The Contenders" far more resembles a spokesman for Big Brother than he does a TV game-show host. Not surprisingly, his commentary often varies widely from the actual events taking place.
Given the plot of Series 7, it's hardly surprising that the final product is a disturbing one. However, it remains discomforting not so much for its fantastical premise, but by the fact that its presentation will leave audiences asking if Minahan's bleak vision is all that far fetched after all. Apparently, we'll have to wait until next season to find out.
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