Yes it is the age of the ‘reality show.’ Everywhere you look, they’re popping up like weeds. Most are admittedly… garbage. This was the impression I had when they first started becoming popular and one that was proven correct as I’ve had the opportunity to see bits and pieces of them on TV and DVD. People, as a rule, are extremely voyeuristic, so it is no wonder that the shows with the lowest common denominator as far as taste somehow come out on top (“The Batchelor” and “Bachlorette” anyone?). For all of these crappy shows that have blocked the way for TV shows that require creativity and talent, there are a handful that are at the very least fun. I was actually surprised when the Arts & Entertainment Channel jumped on the ‘reality show’ bandwagon. In the past, A&E catered to the more intellectual crowd and would only air shows that had some semblance of quality. But ratings can mean life or death for a cable network, so it was only a matter of time before ‘reality’ came to A&E. at least they had the good sense to come up with a few that were somewhat entertaining.

Take “Dog the Bounty Hunter” for example. Though the title tends to make me think of a re-imagining of the old “Rin Tin Tin” series, it is in ‘reality’ (get it?) a series about a gentleman by the name of Duane “The Dog” Chapman. ‘The Dog’ used to be a criminal, but is now a Born Again Christian whose destiny is to hunt down those who run afoul of the law. And not only is he a bounty hunter, but some consider him to be THE bounty hunter. With over 6,000 collars to his name, he is certainly one of the most prolific.

“Dog the Bounty Hunter” follows ‘Dog’ and his ‘posse’ around the world as they hunt their prey. Think of it as a kind of “Cops” extreme. But here we also get to see his ‘softer’ side as he relates to his family (most of who are in some way connected to the business). The series has its moments of excitement, as well as an appealing sense of humor.

A&E is releasing a DVD with the 7 best episodes of Season 1 (picked out by “The Dog” himself), and if they are any indication of the overall quality of the series, I would have welcomed a full season set instead. The DVD also offers up an episode of the series “Take This Job…”, which features “The Dog”, as well as some on-air promos.

While I can’t say that “Dog the Bounty Hunter” is the best series to ever air in A&E, it certainly makes for a worthwhile and entertaining watch.

Starring: Duane “The Dog” Chapman
Extras: “Catch ‘Em if You Can” Episode from A&E’s “Take This Job…” Series, On-Air Promos for Dog: The Bounty Hunter, Cast Biographies
Specifications: Widescreen (1.78:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: A&E
Release Date: 1/25/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give Dog the Bounty Hunter a C+.