Stars Earn Stripes

Marketed as a tribute to American bravery:

Wouldn’t you know, some Nobel Peace Prize laureates condemn the show for “glorifying war”, and want it removed from NBC’s lineup.  *eye roll*

NBC’s response: “This show is not a glorification of war, but a glorification of service”

Ranger from Action Figure therapy goes in:

^^^ hahahahah oh man that’s good.  Dean Cain pushing the limits of DADT, and Nick Lachey’s scarf… priceless.

Thoughts?  Anyone bother to watch the show yesterday?  Do you feel the same way as the Ranger?


Comments

20 responses to “Stars Earn Stripes”

  1. I watched a good chunk of it.

    The stars may be on the B-list. They acted liked they tried and realize how hard it really is.

    I did SERE training when I was in the USAF. I don’t think I could do more than two days now. But it gives me appreciation for those do it day in and out.

    This looks to be the first reality show I’m willing to watch since Survivor I.

  2. The Nobel Peace Prize is total bullshit. It’s the only international award I know of that is given out on the basis of effort and intentions as opposed to tangible results.

    1. When it’s not given to know murderers and terrorists.

      1. Yep, according to the Nobel Committee Mahatma Gandhi < Yassir Arafat

  3. biertrinken Avatar
    biertrinken

    I think the show would be more realistic if they spent 14 hours sitting in a guard tower receiving pot shots from farmers with AKs while celebrating the fact they got Reese’s Pieces in their MREs.

    1. EventHorizon Avatar
      EventHorizon

      LOL! No doubt.

  4. I watched the show, wasn’t bad. It’s for charity.

  5. burkefett Avatar
    burkefett

    I dunno about the whole “glorification of service” thing. Like most people in the military, I’m not combat arms, but my job is still difficult and challenging every single day. Maybe NBC should just come out and tell the truth: “We don’t give two craps about glorifying service, but it sure is fun to let celebrities pretend to be soldiers.”

  6. With decimating recruitment we will (internationally) see these kind of puff programs that ‘glorify’ service.

    Loved the quote “…turd sandwich, hold the bread!”

  7. biertrinken wins. :)

  8. “I think the show would be more realistic if they spent 14 hours sitting in a guard tower receiving pot shots from farmers with AKs while celebrating the fact they got Reese’s Pieces in their MREs.”

    HAH!

    That being said, it was… okay. Given a choice between the usual broadcast TV fare and Stars Earn Stripes, I’ll take SES. What I found funny about it is they managed to mentioned General Clark’s failed Presidential bid, but didn’t mention any connect between politics and Todd Palin…

  9. EventHorizon Avatar
    EventHorizon

    I recorded it because reality shows suck balls (with all the recaps, stupid commentary, etc). I enjoyed the gun pron and watching the two uber fit dark greens (what we called African American’s in the Marines) go unk during the swimming portion at the start of each mission. I was guessing this would happen, and it did. Ali’s daughter was able to swim well however (privileged upbringing). During swim qualification in boot most of the unks were dark greens. It’s not a racial think, it’s just a socioeconomic factor. Once in the Fleet we had a dark green SGT who still couldn’t swim. During swim qual he would be with an instructor in the shallow end of the pool learning how to just float on his back. Not sure how he ever made it through boot camp not able to swim. Having said all that, swimming with full gear on and your weapon can be very intimating and scary, especially if you don’t stay calm. I will continue to watch the show, but only after it’s recorded. Next week Nick (the boy band guy) has mad jitters about repelling out of a chopper. Should make for a good laugh.

  10. arcanesoldierx Avatar
    arcanesoldierx

    I’d like to see that crap canceled today . and replaced with something that helps the public understand the realities of war , not the action movie BS . If they (TV producers) want to help with recruitment don’t you think kids should see the full picture ? so only the committed apply ….

    1. Hard_Harry Avatar
      Hard_Harry

      Well said!

  11. I liked the show. Course its just TV so you are getting about 1/10th reality, but I like to hear the stories and discussions from the real soldiers.

    I thought Todd Palin rocked it!

    I did find it interesting that they were using the HAMR on their SCAR’s. I went with a Trijicon for my AR10, but after looking at that, I might have to pick one up. Those HAMR’s look pretty rugged.

  12. OH MY GOD! The description of the stars is simply amazing!!! And the show looks bad… I don’t have cable.

    1. It’s broadcast TV on NBC. No cable needed.

  13. Willy B. Avatar

    When it comes to television, I’m puzzled at how often the brits can make a low-budget, low-key entertaining show, and still get competitors to give it their best. Prime example; Master Chef. In the US and Australia tons of douchebags compete for 100k and a book deal. UK version, loads of people compete to earn a CHANCE to work in a kitchen. That’s right, the prize at the end is a job in a decent kitchen.
    Same with war games I guess.
    If you guys are familiar with the show “SAS: Are You Tough Enough?”, you know what I mean. 29 civillians, 11 days of selection and training under ex-SAS operators, before a winner is decided. The prize at the end? A handshake from ex-SAS badass Eddie Stone. No cash, just bragging rights.
    And damned good television it was.

    American television companies max out everything, dumb it down, add lots of “coming up” or “before the break” so the guppy brains watching can span the commercial breaks without requiring re-training, and then wonder why the show sucks…

  14. PAPAGE0RG10 Avatar
    PAPAGE0RG10

    It wasn’t bad. I’ll take it over another Big Brother, Survivor, Real Wives of ????, or Dancing with the ???? show.