TV Scope

TV Scope: When I read recently the observation from a television critic that "reality TV has gone from being mildly insightful and voyeuristic [think Big Brother] to downright manipulative, deceptive and exploitative where gullible contestants are mercilessly duped in a bid to boost ratings", my reaction was unequivocal: "you said it babe!"

For me, it's on a par with the boredom ratings associated with endless playing of computer games that entail  bashing your opponent or "enemy".

Brat Camp has all the hallmarks of reality television at its most detestable, complete with accompanying website, internet chat room, facile commentary and section on famous people who overcame their troubled teen years. Then you are hit in the face with the reality of traumatic lives mixed with raw teenage angst.

The scene: six unruly British teenagers described by their parents as abusive, arrogant, foul-mouthed and ill-disciplined, are exiled by their parents to an American wilderness camp in the Utah desert run by youth-help organisation RedCliff Ascent.

Meet Dan, Tom and James, all 16, trying to win back their lives from the brink of drug-fuelled disaster. As for 17-year-olds Charlie and Fran, they are attempting to gain control of their destructive rages and for Rachael, 17, to stop her binge drinking - all six are from a mix of social background. Over four episodes, the series follows their every move: the painful separation from their parents, the struggles to cope with being thrust from their comfortable homes to a cut-off, outdoor existence subject to no-nonsense controls in sub-zero temperatures. The days involve a long hike, a group/individual exercise and then campfire/food.

Typical reality television fare yet every interview with a parent instantly reflects the deep agony of their past; desperation, not knowing when it will all end in terms of trying to find the most basic working relationship with their offspring. RedCliff raises the tangible opportunity for change. Observing their existence over a period is like observing an agitated animal in a cage. But change occurs before our eyes - real in the best sense. During last week's episode the question was would their behaviour improve sufficiently to allow them go home for Christmas. Charlie, who had suddenly become a tower of strength and "a leader in making", is rocked by being taken away from the group as he is helping members do their tasks, like lighting a fire without matches or lighter. Rachel, smug in the belief her mother was going to take her home, suddenly has to contend with her mum realising the risks associated with giving in to her daughter's wishes. Funnily enough, despite the notoriety and coverage surrounding each of the six, there is a sense the exercise will prove cathartic for them.

In the end, however, there is a pervasive uneasy feeling; not for them but for those teenagers who in the course of a lifetime do not get the attention, advice, encouragement and love that the brat campers get heaped on them in the course of a few months.