Juvies on MTV

I had sworn off MTV a long time ago. First, they never show music videos. If you want to see videos, you have to go to VH-1, and then wait until 2 AM.

But MTV has for too long shown “reality” shows that were foolishly unrealistic. Forget Road Rules and the Real World. Both are fake and hokey. Bam, Wild Boys and even Jackass were moronic slapstick performances for the slackers and stoners who wear baggy shorts and play Xbox all day long. And then came the horrifying parade of rich kids and their parties such as My Super Sweet 16. Ick! Its everything you hate about the Myspace Generation.

Now MTV throws a curve at the public by airing Juvies. Its a very realistic reality show about teenagers who get busted for crimes like running away, smoking pot, assaulting kids in school or vandalism. Juvies is set in a state of the art juvenile detention center in Lake County, the suburbs of Indianapolis, and it follows children as they experience lockup and a harsh (but fair) Judge. Some kids learn their lessons, but often, they don’t. Some get to go home and some don’t.

Part of what makes the show so compelling is watching selfish teens, who think the world revolves around them, get treated for the first time as an adult in an adult situation. Invariably, they are frightened and surprised. And if they roll their eyes or get lippy, punishment is swift and stern. Finally, there is a reality show on MTV that all parents should encourage their teenage children to watch.

And if you just like to watch troubled teens get what’s coming to them, then go pop some popcorn and sit down to watch it like the curmudgeon you are. Thursdays at 10pm.