Common Sense Reviewer

  • Melissa Camacho
  • Melissa Camacho
  • California

About Me

I've been a TV watcher since I was born. When I was three I wanted to be Walter Cronkite. I grew up in Puerto Rico and I had the chance to watch television programs from the mainland U.S., the Caribbean and Latin/South America. Since I love the tube I turned it into a career! After working in media-related offices at the United Nations, the United States House of Representatives and CNN, I decided to follow my passion and go into teaching. I earned my Ph.D. in Mass Media from Michigan State University, where I wrote my dissertation on Law & Order. I currently teach media criticism at San Francisco State University in the Department of Broadcasting and Electronic Communication Arts.

What My Kids Love Now

I don't have any kids...but if I were a kid I'd watch Disney movies and Harry Potter all the time!

House Rules

My television is on ALL THE TIME. I'm trying to learn to watch it when it is on, and turn it off if I am doing something else.

When the Kids Are Asleep…

My plants and I currently enjoy watching The People's Court, The Tudors, True Blood and Six Feet Under.

My Biggest Challenge Is:

Turning off the TV when I'm doing something else.

Titles You’ve Reviewed

  • TV: Platinum Babies

    I rate this titleiffyand give it2.0

    Expecting parents indulge in over-the-top spending.

    This decidedly materialistic series is full of mixed and often troubling messages. While the expecting parents are clearly excited about their babies, positive messages about parenthood are lost ...

  • TV: Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew

    I rate this titleiffyand give it3.0

    Mature series takes serious look at sex addiction.

    Sex Rehab attempts to eliminate some of the shame and ignorance that surround sexual addiction. The show contends that sex addiction is the hardest addiction to deal with because it ...

  • TV: Styl'd

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Aspiring stylists compete in relatively tame reality show.

    Styl'd offers an interesting look at what goes into helping celebrities create an image and/or dress for the media. It also has some important lessons about professionalism, company loyalty, ...

  • TV: Pit Bulls and Parolees

    I rate this titleiffyand give it2.0

    Dog rescue series is more troubling than inspirational.

    Pit Bulls and Parolees is a sounding board for the outspoken Torres, who takes every opportunity to demonstrate how pit bulls can be good pets despite their natural strength and violent ...

  • TV: Weird Creatures

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Naturalist offers animal education with a sense of humor.

    The educational series is a fun, quirky way for viewers to learn about animal species that most people know little about. It shows how animals have changed over the centuries to adapt to harsh ...

  • TV: Monica: Still Standing

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Reality show about rebounding R&B star has a positive vibe.

    First and foremost, Monica is a promotional vehicle for the singer and her forthcoming album. It emphasizes the work that goes into producing a record that will be commercially successful ...

  • TV: Lobstermen

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Docuseries is entertaining, if not the freshest catch.

    Playing off of the popular formula of shows like The Deadliest Catch and

  • TV: Mary Queen of Shops

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Expert saves boutiques from fashion faux pas; OK for teens.

    Mary Queen of Shops offers viewers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at what goes into fashion retail. It also highlights some of the important but often overlooked details of running a ...

  • TV: Nature, Inc.

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Informative series looks at the economics of the ecosystem.

    This intelligent British import attempts to appeal to American audiences by using dollar amounts to emphasize the value of nature and the costs associated with negatively impacting the ...

  • TV: The 100-Mile Challenge

    I rate this titleonand give it3.0

    Reality docu is a mix of information and product promotion.

    The 100-Mile Challenge demonstrates the physical and social benefits of eating locally produced foods, as well as the positive economic and environmental impact of supporting local food ...

  • TV: Gone Too Far

    I rate this titleiffyand give it3.0

    Reality addiction show is both earnest and exploitative.

    Unfortunately, since Gone Too Far is being aired after Goldstein’s fatal overdose, many of the earnest messages he offers about recovery and empowerment are overshadowed by his own ...

  • TV: Sherri

    I rate this titleiffyand give it3.0

    Sitcom features strong women ... and subtle stereotypes.

    Loosely based on Shepherd’s own life story, this female-centered sitcom offers an upbeat, funny look at how women try to redefine themselves and their roles as mothers, partners, and ...

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