Two new things that really bother me about To Catch a Predator

[Orrex]

First, it just occurred to me that the title is an allusion to the Cary Grant film To Catch a Thief. But the problem is that the extended phrase is It takes a thief to catch a thief. So what, exactly, is NBC claiming? That they've enlisted a predator to catch other predators, perhaps because he "knows how they think" or something? WTF?

Second, the bits where the host and the decoy read the lurid transcripts of the online discussions that preceded the rendezvous. Of course, the naughty words are bleeped out, but from the diction and inflection, you can tell that they probably do in fact read them aloud, rather than just pausing or skipping the forbidden phrases. How does NBC justify this sick roleplayed titilation?

Again, WTF?

[nickgutierrez]

1. Ratings rule the known universe.

People watch this shit.

[begin_within]

2. That show and Chris Hansen disgust me. They are just as disgusting as the predators.

The fact that they are a participating party in the "crime" they are portraying makes it ultra-sleazy. If they were simply an objective, outside observer, like the people who film "Cops" or those other shows, simply documenting what is already happening, that would be one thing. But to set it up and make it happen, just so they can videotape it and make money off it by broadcasting it nationwide, is nauseating. Chris Hansen is a disgusting, filty animal. And by the way, why do the neighbors that live in the surrounding houses allow this to happen in their neighborhood? To have child predators purposely attracted to their neighborhood. Dateline NBC and Chris Hansen are vile, filthy, disgusting maggots.

[Breeze54]

3. I like the show and i like the freaks being called out on the carpet.

Fuck 'em.

[Orrex]

4. That's not really my point, though

If these alleged criminals are indeed the predators that they appear to be on the show, then let them be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

What troubles me is the puerile voyeurism that drives the show.

[Breeze54]

5. I see it as an American wake up call.

A lot of people think they're 'safe' in their little neighborhoods and they aren't.

If these assholes will go as far to show up at a 13 yr. olds home?

They deserve what they get and if they are caught on camera? Tough luck chuck!

They are all aware that there is a camera there in the room.

They're just to stupid and demented. Some run and some continue to talk.

Oh well.

[Orrex]

6. But, as was noted above...

That can all be accomplished without descending to the pandering titilation that has become the show's hallmark. Set the trap, lure the predator, and spring the trap, fine. But don't turn it into a racy showcase for the decoy's hot-and-heavy reading skills.

Treat this serious issue as a serious issue, rather than as a means to squeeze a little voyeurism into primetime.