Lake Shore’s list of enemies continues to grow

In today’s paper, columnist Lynn Crosbie finds fault with the program not because it attempts to imitate one of the most culturally barren reality television shows in the history of the medium, but because it fails so miserably at the attempt. (This is where we must disclose that the series’ first episodes haven’t begun shooting yet.) Crosbie likens the show’s timing to making “Survivor: Winnipeg at this late date,” and adds, “By the time you are a Halloween costume, you are on your way out.” She also references a recent line from 30 Rock, uttered by Steve Martin as he watches a clip of MTV Canada: “They always get it wrong, don’t they?”

What Crosbie is getting at with her fancy similes and pop culture references is that Lake Shore attempts to ride the coattails of Jersey Shore‘s popularity by harnessing all of its offensive, sensationalistic qualities and bypassing its endearing ones. While the cast’s idiotic hard-partying ways are undoubtedly part of Jersey Shore‘s appeal, Crosbie argues it’s their “actual closeness” and “traditional values and heart” that make the show watchable.

This may be giving Snooki and The Situation a little too much credit, but Crosbie has a point: Lake Shore flaunts ignorant racism as its major selling point. Jersey Shore‘s self-referential “Guidos” and “Guidettes” seem mild-mannered by comparison.

• O Canada, Lake Shore is the vilest form of flattery [Globe and Mail]