Fact and Fiction

So last week was the premier of Cajun Justice. I’m sure most of Terrebonne Parish watched at least the first episode because we wanted to see how we were portrayed. I had to give myself a week to gather information from other people and to compose my own thoughts.

First of all, a lot of people I’ve talked to were disappointed. I’ve heard everything from “Everyone is going to think we don’t have teeth down here!” to “Do they have to find the worst people to show?” Which is kind of normal, I think. Any time there’s a hurricane or some other disaster, the media gravitates toward the people who don’t represent the area as a whole. So yeah, that was disappointing.

Secondly, the voodoo thing. I know I’ve mentioned the gris-gris before, but it isn’t all that common (as far as I know). I’ve never met anyone associated with the practice, or witnessed a ritual anywhere but on television. However, superstition is a big part of the culture here. That part is true, or it was in past generations. Today, I wouldn’t say there’s as much superstition as there used to be unless it was passed down.

Next is the heat. Okay, they definitely got that right. I’ve been moaning about the heat since the end of March.

Also, while we do have a very healthy alligator population, they’re not in everyone’s yard. Okay, that isn’t entirely true. Where you live in the parish would dictate how often you would see an alligator. The closer you are to the bayous and canals, the more alligators you’ll see. Of course, saying that, the entire area is cut with bayous, canals, and drainage ditches. They may have exaggerated that part a bit, but it does hold a grain of truth.

All in all, most people I talked to found the show silly. I was able to laugh about it because I had my godson sending me text messages throughout the two-show premier, especially when the deputies found the paranormal investigators. Here’s how our conversation went:

Nephew: Ghosts!
Me: Cajun ghosts at that!
Nephew: Which is even worse because you can’t understand what they’re saying.

So did you watch Cajun Justice? What did you think about it? I’m going to continue watching if only for the entertainment value and the heckling I can do with my nephew.

Summer Blues

Besides the heat, the next worst thing about summer is the lack of shows to watch.

For those of you Duck Dynasty fans, last night was the season finale. And it was a good one. I was almost in tears watching Si do his turkey dance o’ love. But now what will I watch?

Granted, I don’t actually watch a lot. Most of the time I turn the television on for background noise as I read, but lately I’ve found myself getting more and more caught up in what’s on the tube. Sunday nights I have to drag myself to bed because I get sucked in by Holmes on Homes on HGTV and I don’t even like home improvement shows. Wednesday nights were my Duck Dynasty nights, Thursdays is reserved for Swamp People, and Friday nights are Ghost Adventures.

Then I realized there are new shows coming on. I just have to catch them. Storage Wars is starting its new season. Swamp People isn’t over yet. And then there’s the show shot in my parish, Cajun Justice that starts in a couple of weeks. Now, I’ll have to watch this show because I have to see how they portray the people here. Okay, and also to see if I know anyone they arrest. I know, I know. It’s going to piss me off. I know this ahead of time, so be prepared for some ranting posts over the summer. Just warning you.

So what are you sad to see end? What shows will you wait with bated breath for the return of?