Blow Out

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What’s the Story?

Bravo's BLOW OUT follows famed hairstylist Jonathan Antin's professional and personal life as he progresses into this millennium's Paul Mitchell. Key members of his staff are also introduced, as well as the occasional issues they run into: needing a new shampoo assistant, wanting to go with Jonathan on his side jobs (photo shoots, runway shows, visits to celebrity clients). The show is at the top of the list when it comes to guilty-pleasure television. Antin has opened three salons, started a successful product line, and had a son since the series started in 2004, but at this point, his ego should have its own line in the opening credits; his over-the-top persona never disappoints, though one would hope it gets a break when the cameras are off.

Is It Any Good?

Ultimately, Jonathan acts as if he is at the center of the universe. He claims to carry the "burdens" of success, family, and friends, and cries at the drop of a hat when he's overwhelmed -- crocodile tears for the camera, perhaps? Thanks to his passive-aggressive nature, one minute he'll be putting down associates and business partners in meetings or on the salon's floor, only to kiss the same people goodbye and apologize for how busy he is the next. This behavior only underscores his overblown self-importance.

Can't-look-away car-crash behavior aside, Jonathan's products and successful salons speak volumes about his ability to win over clients -- and viewers. At $500 a haircut, and with a growing list of celebrity clients, who wouldn't want to watch? Bottom line: When watched with the right perspective, Blow Out is a good lesson in learning not to take yourself too seriously.