Bitter reality

Reality programming has been a big draw for big stars, big money and large audiences. But underpinning the facade of singing and dating and running are often the bricks of voyeurism and debris of basic principles.

The news that retired superstar Brigitte Lin (Lin Ching-hsia) will appear in an upcoming reality program on the tube was greeted with a wave of subdued ambivalence rather than elation.

Lin, active from 1973 to 1994, was considered to be the ultimate screen goddess. Many renowned filmmakers have reportedly attempted to entice her out of retirement, but she has made only occasional public appearances, such as for her biographies - until now.