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Reality Comes to Mudcat Falls

HOLLYWOOD -- Unbeknownst to all except cast & crew, reality TV has come to Mudcat Falls as principal filming is already under way -- and has been for some time, now -- for Work Release, scheduled for airing on UPN this fall season.

"We actually green-lighted this project and got started well over a year ago," acknowledged UPN President Dawn Ostroff. "We are very excited about the concept and the footage we already have in the can. It really pushes the reality envelope to an entirely new level -- far beyond even what was envisioned with Amish in the City."

The show's premise, described by producers as an "over-the-top hybrid" of Survivor, The Mole, Last Comic Standing and America's Most Wanted, involves the witness protection-like relocation of ten of the most notorious wanted criminals in the United States to an average community. The last criminal remaining to be discovered and apprehended wins an all expenses paid, one-way trip to a country with no U.S. extradition agreement for his crimes.

"There was definitely a tingle of Tinsel Town excitement in the air when we first heard about our community being on TV and all," said Alicia Fingletart, Chairperson of the Mudcat Falls Board of Tourism and Commerce, "but I did get kind of a queasy feeling when I learned a little more concerning what the show was all about. I mean, what if they commit more crimes while they are here?"

In fact, according to F.B.I. statistics, the crime rate in Calabash County shows a sharp increase over the past year. Local residents are clearly on edge.

"Not only am I double checking the dead bolts, I find myself looking over my shoulders at my neighbors with suspicion," said soccer mom Hillary Hickums. "I mean one of them could be a rapist or serial killer -- the next Gacy or Dahmer."

UPN, its parent company Viacom, and CBS President Leslie Moonves (who is also responsible for UPN), all declined to comment on what most legal experts agree is a grey area between entertainment and felony charges of aiding & abetting.

"We've asked the Federal Communications Commission to look into this situation," said Mayor Archibald Alabaster III, "But Chairman Powell said they really cannot act until there is an actual broadcast, and then they won't do anything unless it's something really bad, like Howard Stern."




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