Two months ago, I auditioned for — and was rejected from — a reality-television show called The Runner (see "Reality’s Fight," News and Features, September 3). As it turns out, ABC put the brakes on the chase show, which was to be produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and would have begun airing in the summer of 2002. "Today’s environment would not be conducive to this type of television event," conceded ABC entertainment chief Lloyd Braun, in a statement issued October 19.

Sure enough, these days viewers get too much suspense, terror, and conflict on CNN to bother seeking out manufactured angst on the networks. But judging from the motives of the hopefuls lined up outside the Rack in late August, The Runner’s demise shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

In fact, the contestants’ goals revealed just how thoroughly reality TV has degenerated over the past 10 years or so — and how insignificant it seems right now. On that day, tight-bodied men and scantily clad women lined up for the chance to be famous and take wild risks. "I’m gonna be on TV, man," enthused an optimistic guy who seemed to be bursting out of his sheer tank top. "I’m here for the challenge," explained Danny Raposo, 26. "I like the hunting and the shooting. It’s like a paintball game."

Raposo explained that it would have been no problem for him to devote more than a month to the show in January. "My job is very flexible," he said. "I’m in the National Guard."

Even though Raposo was passed over by The Runner, it seems he got his wish after all — to go hunting and shooting. But this gig, unfortunately, is no game.

Issue Date: October 25 - November 1, 2001