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There's so much cross-pollination between reality shows that it's barely newsworthy anymore, but when a reality star crosses over into scripted territory, that's a bit more interesting, generally because reality stars totally suck at acting. The Real World London's Jacinda Barrett is among those who've made the transition. Thursday night, Road Rules South Pacific (and short-lived Gauntlet star) Dave Giuntoli, aka David Giuntoli, showed up on Grey's Anatomy, playing the soldier boyfriend of a gay soldier who had a brain tumor. Of course, his real role was to be a metaphor for Meredith Grey's me-me-me-me-me life, but every patient and medical disaster is little more than a metaphor for the main characters' social lives, so that's nothing new. The role involved an extended man-on-man make-out scene and, later, raw anger and tears-on-demand, all of which he pulled off so well that I was almost able to ignore the nagging suspicion that I'd seen him before. But he's appeared on more than

At just 22 years old, Erik Reichenbach has secured himself a place in reality tv history as "the dumbest Survivor ever," as two contestants branded him last night, and also helped make Survivor Micronesia the best season ever--or at least, the best second half of a season ever. Erik, who will undoubtedly need years of therapy to learn to trust people again, was played and betrayed by the four women, who actually convinced him to give up the individual immunity he won. "I think that is what you call a life lesson," Jeff Probst said as Erik left Tribal Council. Erik seemed to take it well, saying, "damn, damn, they got me. ... Those damn girls." He said he was not prepared for "surviving four crazy, sexy women." The plan was masterminded by Cirie, and it was executed flawlessly by all four women, although in two separate parts. First, the three favorites realized they needed to keep Erik off Exile Island, so Amanda bonded with him, and convinced his naive ass to take her with him on t

What's the secret to Hills villains Heidi and Spencer's success? Apparently, it's that they get know how to play along and play the game. "Obviously we're entertainers. We are trying to entertain in every aspect of our lives. Whether it's on the show or in the tabloids," Heidi told the Los Angeles Times, which examines the couple's enduring--popularity? infamy?--and finds that "while they may not be the most famous, they are definitely the most fame-ish. Creatures of the game in every way, they have mastered the new realities of celebrity culture." To prove that point, Spencer said, "Anybody who wants to promote our brand, negative or positive, give me a call." He says everything he does is calculated; prior to season two, "I saw a clip of the show, and everyone was so nice," so he decided to "cause drama" and "get my own show." The one thing that he insists is real is his relationship with Heidi. "I was -- and am -- so in love with Heidi, and that stuff stops mattering. Our real w

ABC's strategy to generate interest in the highly anticipated return of The Mole seems to be to drip out a little bits of information at a time. Since March, the network has been flashing the show's logo at the end of promos for other shows, although now they're finally airing a real promo. In a press release last week, ABC revealed four cast members' names and "mini-bios," which are also on ABC's web site, along with video introductions to each contestant. Four more contestants were revealed today. Because of the show's tendency to plant clues (although very, very dumb ones during the first two seasons), fans are looking out for hints that may reveal the mole's identity. One video ends with a flash of "the Mole was here," which seems to be so obvious that it can't possibly mean anything. Others have suggested that the backgrounds in the contestants' photos may be significant. Even so, it's highly unlikely that producers would be dumb enough to reveal the show's biggest secret this

ABC has decided not to produce The Golden Cage, a reality series in which contestants live in luxury and compete to win the house, which in the European version was stocked with prostitutes. The reason for ABC's rejection was not the prostitutes. Instead, the show's production company Talpa says "ABC was put off by the costs involved in producing the program," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Last February, ABC announced that it had acquired the show. Big Brother's creator John de Mol was producing the new series, which first aired in Europe.ABC rejects 'Big Brother' successor [Hollywood Reporter]>> read the latest news about future shows >> find more reality tv news and gossip at reality blurred

Reality tv: Reality series adds karaoke twist -- Spanish-language web Azteca America will bow a singing-with-the-stars reality show with a karaoke twist Sunday. "Te la sabes? Cántala con famosos" (Know This One? Sing It With the Stars), hosted by Chick Pereda, is an adaptation of a show produced last year in Mexico by TV Azteca, where luminaries take a stab at the most popular Latin tunes around.

Reality tv: If the title had been "America's Next Big Trash Talker," Dominque would have won long ago.

Reality tv: Well kids, it's time to say goodbye to the goofy antics of the very pretty Jason. We will miss his lackadaisical attitude and his one-trick pony singing style.

Reality tv: Despite scandals, viewers continue to tune in -- Oh for those early days of reality tv, when each new U.S. hit carried the intoxicating promise of scandal. From the "Temptation Island" couple with a child (Taheed and Ytossie, how I miss thee!) to lawsuits surrounding "Survivor" to the speckled past of the would-be groom on "Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire?" (a restraining order!), the world was a reporter's oyster.

Reality tv: 'Picture' winner will appear in 'Senior Year' -- ABC's "High School Musical" reality skein has a new title -- and has confirmed its grand prize.