We were roused from a Grey’s Anatomy-induced stupor by an advertisement for a new series. It seemed to be a spoof on reality show TV.
“Homeland Security USA,” said the announcer. Since there was no “gotcha’ moment or announcer to confess the joke was on the viewer, it became painfully obvious that ABC would, in fact, air a reality show about the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Not only it is true, but ABC has announced that at least four agencies from the DHS Dollar Menu have signed onto the project: Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Coast Guard.
The “catch” seems to be that we have ABC’s version of DHS’s rendition of “Cops,” Fox’s wildly successful (and cost-effective) series that follows real police officers as they bust shirtless schleps. Why people are shirtless when taken into custody remains one of life’s mysteries. Regardless “Cops,” in its 21st season, wins its Saturday night mullet-pleasing time slot almost every time.
Cops. Cops on the Border. Cops at the Airport. Cops on the Water. Cops! Cops! Cops! All cops, all the time.
But will anyone watch DHS cops? Apparently ABC thinks so. “Homeland Security USA” will air opposite another Fox juggernaut, “American Idol.” Internet skeptics already have labeled the new show as propaganda. (Shocking!) There seem to be concerned “According to Jim” fans out there. Somewhere. Jilted devotees of “Pushing Daisies” and “Eli Stone” appear to hope that ABC’s interest in DHS might signal hope for their shows.
Originally titled “Border Security USA,” the show is a takeoff of a similar Australian series. We sense Border Boys may give Dog the Bounty Hunter a run for his hard-earned money.
According to executive producer Arnold Shapiro, who says the show puts DHS in a good light. “This show is heartening. It makes you feel good about these people who are doing their best to protect us,” he said.
Maybe the show has a future on the Disney Channel.
Border Boys, Border Boys where ya gonna go?