Of all of VH1′s fabulously trashy television, Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew was up there as one of my favorites. I honestly didn’t think they could top it, but to my surprise, those wily producers at VH1 managed to outdo themselves yet again with Rehab‘s spin-off, Sober House. And this, my friends, is the most terrific train-wreck ever.
Within the first two days of "sober living," ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler ingested enough heroin to put a whale in a coma, and wound up in jail. But in last night’s episode, Adler was shown-up by new Sober House resident, train-wreck of all B-list celebrity train-wrecks, Andy Dick. Mr. Dick has had his fair share of addictions, but his current drug of choice is Rolling Rock beer (I know — what is he, a freshman in high school?). Everyone knows Mr. Dick as being, well, true to his name. But in Sober House, you see a whole new side of him, and it’s a bit disconcerting. You may actually find yourself empathizing — and dare I say liking him? He’s vulnerable, he’s sincere, and he’s truly ready to get his act together for the sake of his 20-year-old son, whom he lives with. Which begs the question: Could this possibly be the best career choice Andy Dick has ever made?
What say you PopWatchers? Are you as addicted to these celeb-rehab shows as I am? Did you find yourself sympathizing with Mr. Dick, or do you think he’s still a di…er, jerk?
I love this show and all shows like it. VH1 has an awesome lineup! Anyway, my feelings for Mr. Dick really changed last night and I must say he pulled at my heartstrings.
Dick was never much of a comedian, in fact I don’t know why he was such a success because he’s better when he works with an ensemble Newsradio). Still he’s human, he made mistakes, awful mistakes. To fix himself takes strength, and I applaud that.
I don’t think this show is a “train wreck”. I sympathize with each and every one of them. It’s sad.
this is for jennifer.when i saw steven when he did all that heroin.i know how you felt.you see my ex husband use to act just like that.and i was to one who was abuse by it.i know i didnt diserve it.but i do beleive that steven need a second chance.i beleive he is senser.i wish i could meet you i think we are alot a like.i would love to here from you
i feel that andy is the last time.after wantch steven the other night.i know how jennifer feels.because my ex acted just like that when he was drunk.but beleive steven want to change.i think jennifer are a like.i would love to here from you
I can’t watch this because it’s too depressing. Self destructive behavior just makes me sad.
I am fascinated by both these shows. As for a good career move by Mr. Dick? If he can really clean up, then yeah. As for being more sympathetic, it is disconcerting, but I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Addicts have as many facets as the rest of us, but a lot less self-restraint. I’m waiting for the dick side to show–and I’m sure it will.
It is illuminating to understand that these shows were originally for Discovery Health until Oprah bought that channel for future rebranding. They tend to fall on the documentary side of the reality show/documentary line. Although the pacing and editing is done a la reality show, the subject matter itself is not treated in a salacious or exploitative manner. Intriguing as hell, but fundamentally the same kind of thing that you find over on Science Network and the various Discovery and History channels.
If this really is your favorite show, you might do well to make the leap over to the soft medical documentaries.
Andy’s old reality show ‘The Assistant’ was BRILLIANT. Hope he turns himself around
The purpose of this show is to be entertaining – first and foremost – if these folks manage to stay sober through it all then that is a suprising side benefit. Let’s face it – we all want to look at the train wreck. People with short-time sobriety who put themselves in situations where they face drugs and alcohol are more fascinating to watch then those who choose to go to meetings, get a sponsor, live the steps and stay away from people, places and things. See how much face-time Rodney king is getting on the show; he is probabaly making the right choices and is therefore not as interesting to watch as Steven Adler, Amber Smith (for obvious reasons) and Andy Dick.
Only a few years ago, I ran in to Andy Dick in our local Kroger store. He was in Atlanta,GA doing a show at the time. And he was THE favorite comedian of my teenage son’s group. I asked if I could get a picture of him for my son. He had 2 assistants with him, one who tried to “protect” the celebrity from the public (me). Mr. Dick could not have been kinder or more graciuos to me – a wrinkled old white woman whose adolescent son was not too crazy about her at the time. He knew nothing of that, but did wave away his body guard and alllow me to speak to him. When I asked that he let me take a picture of him, he not only agreed…but he insisted that one of his assistants take the picture WITH ME IN IT!!!! Only last week, my now 21 year old son and I were looking through family photos…and when this one of me and Mr. Dick came up, we just laughed at SUCH a happy memory! As a nurse, and as another human being, I can only wish the very decent man I met then a very happy future.
I think that it is very informative for people to see how damaging & completely helpess people become. Hopefully they will be okay
I have been watching your career for years,andy,there’s a lot of people cheering for you!this really seems it for you,you really mean it this time.you need to get out of california and fly on for jobs.we would love for you top live in klamath falls,oregon!its just over the border of ca.and filled with greaty people.love and the best-
I think a lot of Andy’s “outrageous” behaviour was most likely fueled by alcohol – at least it makes sense now. I think sometimes us”little folks”(LOL)fail to realize that celebrities live in the same world we do and are vulnerable to falling off the same cliffs we do(or in Andy’s case JUMPING off of them!). Unfortunately, they even have a base of people willing them to do it for publicity!
Still, at his basest of hearts, Andy is simply a person…and no matter who you are, that lifestyle will catch up with you and your family. Even money can’t buy you out of the hurt you cause people through your addiction … the emotional scars are deeper than any monetary debt could ever repay. But by being sober TODAY, Andy is repaying his debt to his family one day at a time. It takes awhile for an alcoholic and/or addict to repay the emotional debt they have caused their family, but everyday he doesn’t drink he is one step closer. I applaud Andy’s courage TODAY and hope it carries into tomorrow
All this show is for these celebs is a PAY CHECK! Plain and Simple.