An editor’s letter for a Vox magazine issue on Jul. 21, 2011 featuring a preview of the new show Truck Stop Missouri
Anyone who knows me can confirm that I have an addiction to television. I consume ridiculous amounts of it. I’m often asked how I am able to get things done, watch all my shows and still have time to sleep. To be honest, I’m not sure either, but any extra time I have is devoted to Hulu, Netflix or whatever is on cable.
I’ll watch nearly anything, except when it comes to reality shows. I like reality game shows such as Survivor or Amazing Race, and I like semi-reality dramas such as Real Housewives. I draw the line with “real” reality shows such as Storage Wars. However, a new show on the Travel Channel is causing me to cross the line into “real” reality show territory.
On August 3, I will be tuning into Travel Channel to watch the premiere of Truck Stop Missouri. The program shows what life is like at Boone County’s own Midway Auto Truck Plaza, located three minutes west of Columbia. It’s always fun to see places you know on TV, and I’m excited because I have an affinity for truck stops.
When I’m traveling long distances, I make many detours, and the best places are always truck stops. I like the large selection of candy and fountain drink machines, people-watching at the cafe and the cleaner-than-average bathrooms.
Truck stops have an interesting appeal because of the opportunity to see colorful characters. Midway truck stop is no different. Our feature (Page 10) explores the truck stop through the eyes of its employees. They have witnessed a car crashing into the wall, a woman insisting Indiana is west of Missouri and even a Jesus look-alike. Although watching the show isn’t the same as being there, I can’t wait to tune in and see the reality show version of Midway.
Click here to see magazine page as a PDF.