AMC's new realty show, "Game of Arms", presents the world of professional arm-wrestling. Episodes cover the lives, training regimens and backgrounds of arm-wrestlers on one of two teams. The show leads up to a competition between the two featured teams, where each of five 'pullers' face off for a cash prize of $1000 (perhaps not substantial, but realize that a lot of these guys are endorsed).
The first team to win 3 out of the 5 available rounds wins the competition. During each round, two pullers 'lock up', and the first to win 3 out of the 5 available points wins the round. The entire competition is enforced and judged by a referee (who, e.g., might determine when a 'slip' occurs, which accordingly would require the pullers to 'strap up').
"Arms" does a good job of conveying the 'feel' of a growing (sub-?)culture. AMC's choice to create a show like Game of Arms was perhaps inspired by the highly recommended documentary, "Pulling John" (2009). "John" accomplished for arm-wrestling what "Pumping Iron" (1977) did for body-building--just replace Schwarzenegger with Brzenk (and if you haven't seen either, watch both).
"Arms" is not without its flaws. It's a scripted "realty" TV show willing to skew just enough truths to make it more interesting without making it too incredible. For instance, many of the back-stories seem embellished, if not exaggerated (indeed, Nick Zinna probably isn't the 'farm boy' the show makes him out to be). Teams are likely 'stacked' in such a way so as to produce 5 rounds every competition (coincidence?). What's more, the competitions are evidently a bit informal, and do not even accommodate considerations of weight-class (a 300+ pound puller has faced someone less than 200 lbs...).
But if you can overlook the show's shortcomings - and there are only a few - you'll find that there's a lot to appreciate about 'Arms'.
First, a lot of it *is* real--the dedication, the struggles, and the strategies--indeed, much of the show appears to be untainted.
Second, the show is presented in an entertaining way. Though the episodes are a bit formulaic, the narration, the sound editing, and the cut sequences are well-executed. Indeed, between the slow motion shots of the roaring, sweating, rippling bulk, and even bleeding, not to mention two 'head-butting' males vying for domination, one begins to wonder if 'Arms' is really a nature show...
Third, to be perfectly frank, the show also makes me want to arm-wrestle, or at least start lifting weights. This effect is likely by design. The show is kind of inspiring (think: Rocky training montages). Arm-wrestling is not only an American past-time, but also recognized and highly respected in other countries around the world (e.g., the Russian government will even award money to prevailing competitors). It's okay to engender enthusiasm for the sport because it's a fun sport. And if you need inspiration to hit the gym more, try getting through an episode without feeling compelled to hit the floor and start doing some push-ups.
Lastly, and ultimately, the show features people. A lot of them have commitments and obligations outside their passion for the sport, whether family or a day-job or another hobby. Some arm-wrestle because they want to, while others, because they need to. The show feels personal. You get to know these guys on an individual, human level because the show, despite some of the fluff, includes all kinds of details: personal reflection, insight, lessons learned and motivation gained. This practice tends to make the show, to me at least, all the more enjoyable.
Notwithstanding some of the creative liberties taken by the writers and producers of the show, 'Arms' is a brave choice by a successful network that will leave most viewers moderately entertained, if not totally pumped. Give it a try, and you might be surprised.
B+
The first team to win 3 out of the 5 available rounds wins the competition. During each round, two pullers 'lock up', and the first to win 3 out of the 5 available points wins the round. The entire competition is enforced and judged by a referee (who, e.g., might determine when a 'slip' occurs, which accordingly would require the pullers to 'strap up').
"Arms" does a good job of conveying the 'feel' of a growing (sub-?)culture. AMC's choice to create a show like Game of Arms was perhaps inspired by the highly recommended documentary, "Pulling John" (2009). "John" accomplished for arm-wrestling what "Pumping Iron" (1977) did for body-building--just replace Schwarzenegger with Brzenk (and if you haven't seen either, watch both).
"Arms" is not without its flaws. It's a scripted "realty" TV show willing to skew just enough truths to make it more interesting without making it too incredible. For instance, many of the back-stories seem embellished, if not exaggerated (indeed, Nick Zinna probably isn't the 'farm boy' the show makes him out to be). Teams are likely 'stacked' in such a way so as to produce 5 rounds every competition (coincidence?). What's more, the competitions are evidently a bit informal, and do not even accommodate considerations of weight-class (a 300+ pound puller has faced someone less than 200 lbs...).
But if you can overlook the show's shortcomings - and there are only a few - you'll find that there's a lot to appreciate about 'Arms'.
First, a lot of it *is* real--the dedication, the struggles, and the strategies--indeed, much of the show appears to be untainted.
Second, the show is presented in an entertaining way. Though the episodes are a bit formulaic, the narration, the sound editing, and the cut sequences are well-executed. Indeed, between the slow motion shots of the roaring, sweating, rippling bulk, and even bleeding, not to mention two 'head-butting' males vying for domination, one begins to wonder if 'Arms' is really a nature show...
Third, to be perfectly frank, the show also makes me want to arm-wrestle, or at least start lifting weights. This effect is likely by design. The show is kind of inspiring (think: Rocky training montages). Arm-wrestling is not only an American past-time, but also recognized and highly respected in other countries around the world (e.g., the Russian government will even award money to prevailing competitors). It's okay to engender enthusiasm for the sport because it's a fun sport. And if you need inspiration to hit the gym more, try getting through an episode without feeling compelled to hit the floor and start doing some push-ups.
Lastly, and ultimately, the show features people. A lot of them have commitments and obligations outside their passion for the sport, whether family or a day-job or another hobby. Some arm-wrestle because they want to, while others, because they need to. The show feels personal. You get to know these guys on an individual, human level because the show, despite some of the fluff, includes all kinds of details: personal reflection, insight, lessons learned and motivation gained. This practice tends to make the show, to me at least, all the more enjoyable.
Notwithstanding some of the creative liberties taken by the writers and producers of the show, 'Arms' is a brave choice by a successful network that will leave most viewers moderately entertained, if not totally pumped. Give it a try, and you might be surprised.
B+