There are three different types of reality shows. The good ones, the bad ones and the ones that are so bad, they’re good. After watching an episode of A&E’s new reality series, ‘The Two Coreys,’ I am somewhat torn about how I would classify this new show. Is it bad? Kind of. Is it so bad, it’s good? Possibly. It’s really hard to say after just one episode but I do think this series has the potential to be dreadfully addicting.
‘The Two Coreys’ follows Haim, Feldman and Feldman’s wife, Susie as they live together and go about their daily lives. If you’re too young to know who the two Coreys are or have no respect for the relevance they had in American pop culture, this show really doesn’t have much to offer you. In fact so far, one of the the only things this show has to offer is the fact that these two Coreys were hugely popular for a little while. For many viewers, that will be enough. The duo are constantly chatting about their old movies, especially the film that launched the duo into celebrity status, Lost Boys. I suppose this is to be expected. After all, watching the two revisit their glory days any way they can is probably why most people will tune in to watch the show in the first place.
The other thing this series has to offer is a look into the life of two people who were once on top of the world and are now virtual unknowns in the industry (although it wont hurt their careers if this show turns out to be a hit). While Feldman has married and settled down, Haim had some addiction problems that he’s still trying to put behind him. His reputation is damaged and he’s burned a lot of bridges. He wants desperately to start working again and to rebuild his status as an actor. Whether it’s because he’s ruined his reputation or because no one believes Haim’s former popularity is worth much, finding work isn’t easy for him these days.
Feldman might have the same problem as Haim in getting new projects rolling but it’s hard to say because he doesn’t appear to be all that interested in pursuing his own career path. He seems more wrapped up in his wife, Susie’s career to care much about his own goals. When Haim eagerly shows up at a radio station to be interviewed alongside his pal, Feldman blows off the interview to stay home and watch his wife talk on the phone with Stuff Magazine about a photo shoot.
As for the dynamic in the house, Haim’s sloppiness and goofy attitude clashes with Mr. and Mrs. Feldman’s neat home and minimal senses of humor. Feldman and Haim bicker over little things, mostly having to due with Haim’s behavior or Feldman’s lack of any sincere interest in teaming up to reclaim their careers. When it comes down to it though, these two are old friends who do seem to appreciate the opportunity they’ve been given with this show.
All in all I do believe this series will fall under the so-bad-it’s-good category of Reality TV. One of the only real problems I had with the show based on this one episode was the fact that I felt sorrier for Haim than I wanted to. When I watch these types of reality TV shows, I want to root for the people I like and mock the people I dislike. I really dont want to feel sorry for the subject of the show. Feeling pity is an emotion that makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable. ‘The Two Coreys’ came very close to inspiring that kind of awkward emotion from me at times. Whether this was something the producers intentionally went for or the material was simply speaking for itself, I couldn't say. Either way, I felt the few teary-eyed moments of the episode were the weakest. It was the upbeat scenes and casual conversations among the Coreys that were the most interesting and entertaining. I'm hoping to see more of that as the series goes on.
In terms of other first impressions of the show, it did leave me wanting to see whether or not Haim can manage to find some work. I am hoping he will begin to realize that if he wants to make a comeback, he’s probably going have to forget about trying to motivate Feldman and get back out there and do it on his own. As for Feldman, I think he’s a bit too aware that the cameras are on him. His body language and the way he talks often seemed to have a sort of scripted feel to them. Hopefully he’ll loosen up a bit and let us see what he’s like when he’s genuinely just being himself.
I think I’ll give this series 3 stars for now. I found the episode very entertaining but I’m not entirely sure where the series is headed. It has the potential to go either way at this point and the direction (and success) of the series will depend entirely on Haim and Feldman’s willingness to let their guards down and take some chances. Either way, this series definitely has that train-wreck-ish quality that makes it so difficult for viewers to look away. I’ll definitely be tuning in for at least a few more episodes.
’The Two Coreys’ premieres premieres July 29th at 10PM ET/PT on A&E
