Total Drama Island

If you’re like me and like chilling in the shallow end of the television ghetto with the reality shows and the cartoons – you’re going to love this. “Total Drama Island” is an import from Canada made last year by Teletoon. Twenty-two animated teens split into two teams at Camp Wawanakwa and compete until the losing team has to vote someone off – to walk down the Dock of Shame to the Boat of Losers. Yes, it’s the bastard child of “Survivor,” but that’s a good thing. At least it’s not like Comedy Central’s “Drawn Together,” which is just an excuse for animators to draw wee-wees, talk dirty and do potty jokes. “TDI” is nothing like that at all.

That’s not to say it’s not adult. “Total Drama Island” has a dual sensibility similar to the old Warner Brothers cartoons. The teens will love the characters and the adults will love the situations. The best part is that is does play out exactly like a reality show. One character leaves every episode, counting down to a finale where the last player wins a boatload of cash. Check it out, well worth it. Now showing on the Cartoon Network.