TV: Shooting Sizemore (VH1)

A few days ago, I happened to stumble upon the debut episode for Shooting Sizemore on VH1.

Like a train wreck, Shooting Sizemore is the pinnacle of voyeurism. Focusing on the fallen, drug-addled celebrity, Tom Sizemore, and his attempt to comeback from drug addiction and legal troubles with his ex-wife, Heidi Fleiss. This is an ultra-slick, documentary-style program that pulls no punches. Obviously stylized to death by Viacom, it fortunately doesn't lose its grit.

Starting on the day Sizemore is released from drug rehab (for Meth and Heroine abuse), we're privy to a ticking time bomb. Tom's agent has hired a tag-along actor to watch his every move (24 hours a day) and otherwise keep him out of trouble. Having lost his home to bankruptcy, Sizemore ends up in a hotel near the Santa Monica pier.

Will his self-imposed sobriety last? Can he recover from his legal woes? Will he make a comeback and reclaim his once-awesome Hollywood career?

This is a show that has a lot at stake, unlike so much other reality fodder out there. One can't help but feel sorry for Sizemore. There's something familiar about him, something that makes you want to help the poor guy out. But there's also something menacing about him, like a dog that's been abused. You can't help but watch to see who gets bitten.