LITTLE ROCK — If you’re going to have a reality competition show honoring the military, who better to host than a soldier’s soldier, retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark?
The Little Rock native is a Rhodes scholar, the former supreme NATO commander in Europe, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and (briefly) a 2004 presidential candidate.
He also has a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart earned in Vietnam.
More recently, businessman/author Clark has been the host of the Military Channel’s Edge of War series.
Clark will co-host NBC’s new series Stars Earn Stripes beginning Aug. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Clark is photogenic, articulate and personable. So why did NBC decide to pair him with Dancing With the Stars former co-host Samantha Harris?
If Clark brings gravitas, then I suppose Harris brings showbiz pizzazz. It must be that the network thought she would add a dash of sweetness to all the grunts and sweat swirling around the series.
Here’s the deal.
Each week, celebrity competitors go to “a remote training facility” and pair up with an “operative” who is a member or a former member of the armed forces or a law enforcement agency.
Each operative will guide his teammate in training and will compete alongside as they try to complete “missions” designed around actual military exercises.
Prize money will go to military, veterans and first responder charities.
In an NBC statement, Clark said he was “thrilled” to be host, and “I know that the winnings, which will be donated to first-responder charity and veterans’ groups, will make a difference and send an important message.”
NBC chief for alternative and late-night programming Paul Telegdy added, “We are honored to have a much-decorated and beloved military figure such as Gen. Clark joining Stars Earn Stripes.
“The general’s legendary record in the U.S. armed forces commands respect as he brings so much practical knowledge that will infuse the show with priceless insight.”
At age 68, Clark looks as if he could still suit up and take on the missions himself.
Who are these “celebrities” taking the challenge and what will they be doing?
The eight contestants include:
Laila Ali - Retired boxer.
Dean Cain - Actor best known for playing Superman on TV.
Terry Crews - Former NFL player; and the dad on Everybody Hates Chris.
Nick Lachey - Former boy band singer and ex-hubby of Jessica Simpson.
Todd Palin - Sarah’s snowmobile-loving husband.
Picabo Street - Olympic gold medal skier.
Dolvett Quince - Trainer on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.
Eve Torres - WWE Diva best known for her Evesault signature move.
Their individual charities are (in order, from top) the Military Child Education Coalition; Wounded Warrior Project; The Pat Tillman Foundation; The Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation; YMCA Alaska; Got Your 6; Hiring Our Heroes; and the USO.
The weekly challenges will include everything from helicopter drops to long range weapons fire. Each is designed “to test the stars physically, mentally and emotionally.”
The series comes from executive producers Dick Wolf (Law & Order), Mark Burnett(The Voice, Survivor) and David A. Hurwitz (Fear Factor).
NEW SERIES AHEAD
Andie MacDowell, billed by Hallmark Channel as “internationally renowned, award-winning actress Andie MacDowell,” will star in Hallmark’s Channel’s first prime time series, Cedar Cove.
The series is in production and set to premiere early next year and is based on the book series of the same name by Debbie Macomber.
Hallmark Channel honcho Michelle Vicary said, “We are beyond thrilled to have a star of the magnitude of Andie MacDowell to star in Cedar Cove.”
MacDowell, star of Groundhog Day, ABC Family’s Jane by Design and scores of L’Oreal commercials, will portray Judge Olivia Lockhart, “whose Cedar Cove Municipal Court is the professional milieu and social microcosm of issues the judge will face inher own day-to-day life with family and friends.”
Any series that has a “milieu” might just be too precious for me, but we’ll see.
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Style, Pages 30 on 06/26/2012