VintageGent’s Menswear Daily

“Oil That is, Black Gold, Texas Tea”

I am not much for reality shows because they are not really “reality” at all. The shows that rely on auditions as their format are more akin to variety shows or game shows. The type of shows that hole a mishmash of individuals in a house or on an island is not really “reality” but more of a pit match. Lately, there have been a few shows that actually are going to deliver on their promise, it seems, of portraying real life. Well, it is not really “real life” as in my life, because that would be boring. TV has been taking us on journeys that are far removed from our lives so that we can live vicariously in some way.

I have to admit that I do love some of the competition shows like the Amazing Race, American Idol, and Project Runway, but they feature people that are insanely talented and who you would probably never be like, or at least most of us won’t.  The exception is the Amazing Race, which featured regular, everyday people for the most part.

The latest is truTV’s Black Gold .  It may be the best thing to happen to Texas Tea since Jed Clampett was shooting at some food.  Just like The Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers before it, it offers a look into actual lives and gives you an appreciation for some of the most difficult, dangerous, and dirtiest jobs on the planet.  I don’t know if reality shows started it, but the interest sure got a boost from the popularity of Mike Rowe’s show. Only this time, things are not so neighborly. In Black Gold, we follow the trials of folks working in the Texas oil fields. The challenge is that they must drill four holes in a 50 day period.

First, you will experience the rigors of on the job training.  Could this be the Gordon Ramsey of oil drilling?  If so, I am sure it is a guaranteed hit.  The exception, of course, is that a mistake could be the difference between life and death versus just a fallen souffle.

Of course, being under such duress, the creative language just flies.  Imagine if you could “tell it like it is” on your job? I will have to tune in to see what “dumb” thing was done.

The show premieres tonight, and new episodes appear Wednesdays at 10p/9c. There is more of truTV’s Black Gold trailer on Youtube if you want to check it out. So, will the show be so popular that the “Labor Chic” fashion statements of work boots and flannel will get a boost? I call it “clean grunge,” as it features similar footwear and patterns as in the early 90s, but plus showers. Or, perhaps five year olds across the nation will turn in their red firefighter’s hats and stethoscopes and decide they want to be Roughnecks when they grow up instead after watching this?  Naw, they are supposed to be in bed.  If they do, you know who was sneaking around the house well past their bedtime.