Yeah, I know we should bash, and it is on a third rate cable channel, the USA Network, but I have to put in a rave because Combat Missions is really good, and here is why. The contestants/participants have really done something to justify their inclusion in this show. With all respect to Shakes the Clown, who rocks in his own way, the guys on this show have earned their right to be on it. These guys are not actors, but have real credentials in either the military or with SWAT teams. I bet they did not have to submit dumbass video tapes to Mark Burnett, who is the executive producer on this show.

The participants are divided into teams, and compete on simulated missions that reflect on their training. They seem serious, competitive, into doing the best they can, and they seems to have compelling personalities so that you care about what happens to them. I have always thought that the key to a successful reality tv show is to actually care about the characters on the show, what they do, and what happens to them. In contrast awful shows like "Lost" and "Big Brother" for example have cast really lame, moronic, idiots that are doing stupid things, and ultimately you do not give a rats ass what happens to them. The only exception to this rule is Temptation Island, and that is because the premise is to laugh your ass off at their psychotic behavior.

All that said, I have questions as to when and how they are going to whittle the teams down to an ultimate winner or winner(s). At the rate they are going, they add someone to replace everyone they excuse so they are still at a full compliment of team members. I also very curious as to how long did it take to film this show, and whether they reshot the action to make it seem more dramatic. I would also like to see more footage of how they go about their planning, and where the participants divert from the plan and why they did not follow their plan.

On last nights episode, which will be repeated several more times this week, the losing team evicted one guy when it seemed as it the leader should have either taken the fall or be voted out by the others for some bad planning.

Bash me for my rave if you must, but check this show out for acouple of episodes, and see if you do not find this to be compelling reality tv.

how erhaps tbeI think that you can enjoy this show without being