After 20 years of “Cops,” Fox is looking for laughs with its latest police reality skein.
Net has pacted with producer Scott Satin (“Who Wants to Be a Superhero?”) for the tentatively titled “Smile! You’re Under Arrest.” Basic premise of the comedic project: Unaware criminal suspects with outstanding warrants are lured out of hiding with promises of riches and other rewards, only to discover that they’ve been duped by law-enforcement officials.
“Unlike ‘Punk’d,’ where things start out bad, this shows starts out being the best day of your life,” said Fox alternative prexy Mike Darnell. “Everything is fantastic. Then you find out you’re under arrest.”
Fox and Satin are working with Maricopa County, Ariz., sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose unconventional (and controversial) tactics have earned him the rep of “America’s Toughest Sheriff.” Arpaio’s officers are handling the mechanics of the sting and targeting which potential criminals to go after.
Perhaps there isn’t anything too horrible about that, at least compared to other television shows. Especially when Dateline: To Catch a Predator, which whether successful in nabbing predators or not, and whether ethical or not, is most definitely played out for exploitative entertainment.
But then there’s this:
Much of the pilot has already been staged, and so far, Fox hasn’t had problems getting the alleged criminals to appear on camera. “Everyone’s signed a release,” Darnell said.
One reason the bandits may be happy: Fox isn’t completely stiffing the fugitives. “If we say you’re going to get $200 if you show up, we give it to you,” he said.
Something strikes me as wrong about essentially paying fugitives to give themselves in. I don’t quite know how to articulate it. My gut tells me this sets a bad example. You can decide for yourselves.
