As someone who has closely followed the evolution of reality TV over the years, I must say that the changes in the vetting process since Rodney Alcala’s appearance on The Dating Game are nothing short of revolutionary. Growing up in the 70s, I remember the excitement surrounding these shows, but also the uneasy feeling they sometimes left behind.
When considering earlier forms of shows that put people in the limelight, similar to modern reality TV, one program often recalled is “The Dating Game“. This show featured single individuals answering questions to find a potential match, creating an engaging spectacle with shy and bold personalities flirting on-screen for audience enjoyment. Although it had a touch of sensationalism, the experience was generally lighthearted and non-harmful for everyone involved.
Yet, one guest on the long-running show has cast a shadow over its 30-year history. This occurred when a notorious serial killer, in the midst of his criminal activities and awaiting trial for these crimes, made an appearance on the program… and surprisingly emerged victorious. Let’s delve into this incident and examine the Netflix Original series Woman of the Hour, featuring Anna Kendrick, which vividly portrays this unsettling story to a broader audience.
The Following Article Discusses Sexual Assault, Murder, and Violence Towards Children
The Crimes of Rodney Alcala
Rodney Alcala became infamously known as “The Dating Game Murderer.” His court cases are complex to recap, with three convictions being challenged until he was finally found guilty of five murders committed between 1971 and 1979 (Robin Samsoe, 12; Jill Barcomb, 18; Georgia Wixted, 27; Charlotte Lamb, 32; Jill Parenteau, 21). It is believed that the number of victims at the hands of Alcala could potentially reach as many as 130. Alcala’s criminal history dates back to 1968 when he attacked and sexually assaulted an 8-year-old girl named Tali Shapiro in Los Angeles, escaping the city to avoid law enforcement.
Rodney Alcala was infamous for the brutal nature of his crimes, frequently choking victims unconscious and then attempting to revive them before continuing with his heinous acts. He would often win people’s trust through his photography skills and claims of being a professional fashion photographer. Alcala amassed over 1,000 photographs, many of which were explicit and featured women, teenage girls, and boys. This collection of images led police to believe that Alcala’s victims of murder and sexual assault were far greater in number. Rodney Alcala passed away from natural causes on July 24, 2021, at the age of 77, in a hospital close to Corcoran State Prison in California.
How Rodney Alcala Appeared in, and Won, The Dating Game
On the popular dating program, The Dating Game, the future serial killer, a then-successful photographer who had been discovered in a darkroom at 13 by his father with developed photos, was presented to millions of American viewers. As the show unfolded, this bachelor exhibited an unusual allure that set him apart from other contestants. His unique responses to questions such as “How would you describe yourself?” – “I’m known as the banana, and I look really good. Peel me” – piqued the interest of Cheryl Bradshaw, who ultimately chose Rodney for her date.
Following her encounter with Alcala, Bradshaw revealed an unease, describing him as giving off an unsettling aura that made her feel unwell. She went on to say, “I suddenly felt sick. He was behaving quite oddly.” Trusting her instincts, Bradshaw decided to terminate the date prematurely after discussing her concerns with the TV producer: “There’s something off about him. He’s peculiar. I don’t feel safe. Is this going to be an issue?” Unbeknownst to Bradshaw, Alcala was at the peak of his murderous rampage during their encounter, and a year later, he would be apprehended for his crimes.
During Alcala’s appearance on the show, Bradshaw wasn’t alone in finding him peculiar. Jed Mills, his fellow bachelor, described Alcala as an “unusual individual” who gave “quizzical responses.” In a later conversation, Mills further explained that he had an uneasy feeling about Alcala, going as far as saying he wanted to keep his distance from him. The production team also showed signs of reservation towards featuring the enigmatic bachelor. However, they ultimately decided to include him in the show, with executive producer Mike Metzger admitting that Alcala had an unsettling aura that made him uncomfortable.
As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the haunting impact of the revelations about Rodney Alcala’s heinous crimes. Many statements attributed to him, such as his chilling quote “I always get the girl,” are now understood in a far more sinister light – he was speaking of taking their lives.
Woman of the Hour Tells the Frightening Story of the Dating Show Killer
Woman of the Hour, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, presents a dramatic interpretation rather than an exact historical account of real-life events. This crime-thriller unfolds in a non-traditional narrative style, interweaving Cheryl Bradshaw’s journey as an aspiring actress with the chilling tale of Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) murdering his victims. Simultaneously, it offers a glimpse into the making of a popular dating show, with Tony Hale portraying Jim Lange (Ed in the Woman of the Hour). The movie aims to bring empathy to the victims and shed light on the misogyny prevalent during that era, rather than glamorizing Rodney Alcala’s heinous acts.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I must confess that “Woman of the Hour” on Netflix is truly outstanding. This original production boasts an impressive 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, backed by 62 reviews. Benjamin Lee from The Guardian even gave it a well-deserved 4/5 stars. He commended Kendrick’s unique approach to the genre, stating that “In a world where the grotesque and gruesome aspects of serial killers often overshadow the victims, Kendrick intelligently chooses how to portray Alcala’s violence and the humanity of his victims.” Although “Woman of the Hour” may embellish and alter some stories for dramatic effect, it undeniably ranks among the top crime dramas on Netflix.
How the Vetting Process for Reality TV Has Changed Since Rodney Alcala’s Appearance on the Dating Game
What led to this situation is that, back in the 1970s, it was relatively simple for individuals to remain anonymous when they applied for these shows. Even though Rodney Alcala had a history of violent crimes, there were no readily available databases at the time for people to cross-check his background. This lack of proper screening persisted even after Alcala’s arrest a year later. The selection process for potential bachelors on The Dating Game, which ran for 30 years and 24 seasons, never underwent significant refinement despite having a serial killer as a contestant.
In the early 2000s, reality TV series had a loose selection process, allowing individuals like Rodney Alcala to appear on these shows seemingly by chance, beyond the producers’ control. This lack of precaution was still evident as late as 2009, when Ryan Jenkins joined Megan Wants a Millionaire, but his participation was overshadowed by the murder of his wife just a month after being dismissed from the show. The tragic event led to the show’s removal from the air and instigated stricter selection processes for all American reality TV shows in the future.
It typically takes between four and twelve weeks for the selection process for reality TV shows, involving thorough background checks, medical exams, scrutiny of social media profiles, extensive paperwork, interviews, and often collaboration with external parties who aid in selecting suitable participants. Usually, scandals associated with reality TV contestants are more about their personalities rather than heinous crimes they may have committed.
The process will always have faults, with minor modern controversies, such as American drag performer Sherry Pie being edited out of Drag Race in 2020 after catfishing allegations came out after she appeared on the show (via NBC News). The system will never be perfect, but it has improved since Rodney Alcala’s chilling appearance on The Dating Game.
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2024-10-19 00:01