The trademark Mohawk is looking a little sparse, and age has begun to scrunch further his bulldog features, but Mr. T, who laid claim to the tagline “I pity the fool” a quarter-century ago, is back in a reality series, “I Pity the Fool,” that debuts tomorrow night on TV Land.
He’s back, but not badder than ever. The show is “reality” in the heavily (and, here, somewhat jarringly) edited family-makeover genre, in which toughness is matched with teary truth-telling–think “Nanny 911″ with an old-school tracksuit instead of that fetching maroon cape and deerstalker. In Wednesday’s premiere episode, T gets the unyielding owner of a flagging car dealership to admit that his beleaguered general manager, who is also his son-in-law, is a hard worker and wonderful father. Their reconciliation clears the way for the sales staff to address their more mundane business problems. That insight–that dysfunctional groups have to fix their basic relationships first–is the basis for the second episode as well.
Though the soundtrack is drenched in T’s familiar growl and we see repeated close-ups of his fist, what makes “I Pity” worth a trip to TV Land is the moments when we see him soften. After a long layoff, during which he fought with lymphoma and deepened his Christianity, Mr. T is more lover than fighter. (He recently swore off his signature gold chains out of respect for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.) Amid his patented bluster, we get hints along the way of Mr. T’s own redemption, and his belief that a loving relationship that makes the family’s renaissance more credible, and more touching.
|
Previous Posts
UNDEFEATED is an Uncommon Film: Share Your Story For a Chance to Win a $500 Giftcard to Sports Authority
UNDEFEATED, the new documentary from the Weinstein Company (opening in limited release this Friday), is the real deal. It's one of those perfect, real life underdog sports stories that are only captured on film once in a long while (ala Hoop Dreams). It follows the hopes and dreams of the Manassas
posted 12:35:58am Feb. 13, 2012 |
read full post
»
Exclusive Interview with Rachel McAdams & Channing Tatum, Stars of "The Vow", on Relationships
I had the chance to sit down the other weekend with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum and talk about their new film (opening this weekend, Friday, February 10th ) called "The Vow."
Now, just so you know, I am NOT the target demo for romance films. Maybe, MAYBE, once in a blue moon I'll enjoy the
posted 2:57:16pm Feb. 08, 2012 |
read full post
»
Is Your Dad the Greatest Dad of All Time?
Dad's are awesome! (although, being one myself, I am a bit biased) And if you think your Dad is awesome - no, if you think your Dad is the GREATEST DAD OF ALL TIME!!!! - then we want to hear about it! Just leave a comment below using a valid email address and tell us in as much detail as you want wh
posted 2:19:28pm Dec. 30, 2011 |
read full post
»
Show Review: Reaching Generations with Switchfoot
Switchfoot performing on the Tonight Show
Switchfoot’s debut album Legend of Chin came out in 1997, it was a fun, anthemic rock album that stretched the boundaries of Christian rock. Fourteen years later, the band is still bringing it. Seeing Switchfoot live at the National in Richmond, VA
posted 3:12:06pm Dec. 06, 2011 |
read full post
»
Mitch Albom's 'Have a Little Faith' Inspires
Mitch Albom is world famous for his moving and inspirational books. “Tuesday’s With Morrie,” “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” and “For One More Day” have all spent months upon months on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest book, “Have a Little Faith,” has just been a
posted 2:51:06pm Nov. 22, 2011 |
read full post
»
|
posted October 14, 2006 at 12:02 am
While I commend Mr T. for getting through his problems. How many “fix me / fix my family” shows can we take?
posted October 16, 2006 at 10:04 pm
I can’t take it! I’m so sick of reality television.I long for the days when families and individuals were neurotic and deeply disfunctional in the privacy of their own homes, sans a television camera. Someone has unhinged the door from America’s proverbial closet. Enough “sharing” . . . Please!
posted October 22, 2006 at 8:07 pm
I was a little sceptical about Mr.T’s religion from interviews on CBN, but it seems like he is committed to the Lord so I wish him well in whatever he does. If reality were not so awful, reality shows would not stay on the air. Whatever it takes to show Americans how to get back on track or on track for the first time. I say say bring it on.
posted October 24, 2006 at 2:12 pm
MR.T’S NEW SHOW I PITY THE FOOL IS A GOOD THING TO WATCH AND WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT HELPING SOMEONE ELSE IS NEVER OUT MODED OR BORING AND SOMETHING WE ALL NEED TO HANG ONTO. THE FILTH THAT IS SO POPULAR UNDER THE GUISE OF COMEDY ON T.V. DOES NOTHING BUT CORUPT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AN SOME ADULTS AS WELL. MR.T IS THE REAL THING A GREAT EXAMPLE FOR US AND NOT A PUT ON. I HOPE WE SEE HIM A LOT MORE AND SHOWS LIKE HIS. WE IN THIS COUNTRY NEED TO REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO SODOM AND GOMORHA AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE. MR.T’S STORY IS REALLY AN INSPRIRATION AND I HOPE MORE GET TO READ IT. THANK YOU, F.E. HOFFMAN
posted October 24, 2006 at 2:47 pm
Mr. T, May God bless you in all that you do. May the Lord continue to shawdow you with his wings of love. I am a believer and have been saved by grace. I have shared your testimony with my co-workers. Your words of wisdom have given me more strength to walk with Holy Ghost boldness for the Lord. I know that your show will reach someone that is in need to feel the Love of God which is shown through you. Love is the greatest gift that we can give each other. I love the Jesus in you. Be blessed and keep the FAITH.
posted October 25, 2006 at 9:06 pm
I think Mr.T is and always have been a good person who got caught up in the muse of Hollywood and its distorted images of oneself. As a parent, many years ago, I did not allow my kids to watch DC Cab because of the language….now my daughter is 32 years old with kids of her own and she has finally seen that movie.lol Althoug it is nothing compared to the filth in movies today, she now understand why it was not allowed back then. I am very glad to see he has refocused himself and is now using that same image for good. Mr. T. I wish you Gods spend and blessings to everything you do that is from your heart and God directed. P.S. I really enjoy the segments you have done on the eduacational site called “Comcast.” Very good work! Bless you, Jackie
posted October 27, 2006 at 11:25 am
I have never seen the show it comes on to late for me.But i have seen the commercials and wold like to get him to come down here and talk to my son.how can i gethim to come down here
posted December 4, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Mr T, it is a blessing that you have the opportunity to touch so many people’s lives. I too touch lives but in a different way it is normally a little too late! I work in prison and I would love to assist a youth program to bring it home to the kids as to why you do not want to go to prison. Our young people have this view that if you go to prison you come out famous! I wish I could assist you in some venture to help with a “stop supporting prison life”. It is unfortunate that anyone has to end up in prison and while I have worked in prison I have inspired several to go into the world and preach, teach, gospel music career, and to not return to prison! I have several former prisoners who give a great testimony of how I inspired them in their now walk with Christ! By the way I worked right in the mix of the prison population where the tough meet the tough, my stories are remarkable!
posted February 8, 2008 at 7:49 pm
There was a statement Mr. T made on here, it was somewhere along the term of “sorry celebrity”, but I can’t seem to find it. Where is it, or was it removed?
posted December 7, 2010 at 3:53 am
Very nice article i like this show and i definitely see this show.”I pity the fool”is very great T.V show i like this show because this is reality show.Thanks for sharing this great article with us.
Craigslist Newark