... you never go back...
It's funny how one's tastes in TV evolve. I used to believe the likes of Ronnie Barker, Antiques Roadshow and food shows were simply the preference of the old. Today I'm an aficionado of them all!
However the one show that I cannot get enough of features the guy above. Adam Richman travels the length and breadth of America and devours the most mouthwatering local dishes. Imagine a part travelogue, part competitive eating series hosted by a chunky Fred Savage lookalike. In front of a crowd of cheering people, he tries to polish off these regional delicacies with a phony 'press conference' to follow. The thing is, these meals are either absolutely HUGE, or intolerably spicy. And there's the rub, the cheese steak sandwiches, the pulled pork burgers, the prawn roll platters look so delicious they make me want to start licking the telly. However the servings have to be seen to be believed! You just want to gag as the guy shovels the food down his throat whilst sweating profusely as his body tries to process all the meat, cheese and chili.
'Man Vs Food' is food porn in its' extreme form. The show format is a weekly challenge where if Richman fails to complete his meal 'Food' is victorious, and if he is successful it's one for 'Man'. Victory for our hero is presented like a scene out of 'Gladiator' - the noble Maximus prevailing over a ferocious enemy. But this time in sandwich form. Come to think of it, maybe Ridley Scott should direct an episode to give the show some real gravitas. There's a thought...
I can't decide whether I adore this show or whether the premise is seriously f**king obscene. Should acts of gluttony be praised whilst so many in the world go without?? I'm conflicted as the food Richman comes across looks so delicious, yet he the portions he eats make me feel ill.
Here's a burger with a difference. After watching I don't know whether to drool or gag though.
All I can say is other food shows have lost their edge. If it's not covered in fried onions or cheese I'm not as excited as I used to be!
