MTV is known for its scripted “reality” shows, but I can’t figure out whether its new series “Jersey Shore” falls under that category or is starring genuine neanderthals.I’m pretty sure the series was developed from this YouTube video, but shows like “Jersey Shore” are exactly why I don’t watch much television. Somehow I can’t seem to tear myself away from this. Maybe it’s because I know people in real life who fit perfectly into the stereotype being portrayed on the show — I even know a girl who is a dead-ringer for Snooki. Or maybe I am just really bored because it’s winter and I can’t get outside much anymore. But I do know that it reassures that I am not missing by going to “the club” and makes me feel even more at home in my neighborhood dives, where everyone just might know my name.

I won’t call “Jersey Shore” a guilty pleasure, I’ll call it reaffirmation that I’m making decent life decisions. I mean, at least I’m not punching chicks in the face.

I had started to lose faith in “Dexter” over the course of the season, as it seemed like it could have been pared down to 10 episodes from 12, but the season finale blew me away. So much so that now I feel like I need to go out and grab the book series by Jeff Lindsay — which I’ve heard nothing but good things about — to see what happens next. That rarely happens to me, as I’m more of a non-fiction fan, but it’s making me feel like some kind of “Twilight” or “Harry Potter” geek. I hope production on Season 5 begins ASAP.