VH1 shows sound judgment ... for once

What can finally kill off bad reality TV programming? Well, how about -- I don't know -- REAL LIFE MURDER?

A week after pulling any and all signs of "Megan Wants a Millionaire's" existence from VH1 properties, the cable channel known for CelebReality skankfests is also putting "I Love Money 3" on the shelf.

Now, I know what you're saying. There's an "I Love Money 3?" But honestly, this is the best news TV viewers could possibly receive -- and it has nothing to do with paying respect to the dead or any other moralistic quandary the network may have been faced with in light of reality contestant Ryan Jenkins killing his model ex-wife, and later himself upon fleeing to Canada.

Quick recap for folks who stay away from the gossipy garbage heap. Jenkins, a wealthy contestant on VH1 dating show "Megan Wants a Millionaire" (featuring a Bret Michaels' "Rock of Love" reject), was wanted for murder following the grisly death of his model ex-wife. Jenkins, who also made an appearance on the "I Love Money 3" spinoff/cash grab, was found dead this morning after reportedly committing suicide while in hiding.

VH1 is making a habit out of spewing new reality franchises with the same assortment of losers who populate these predictable crap-a-thons. Seriously VH1, if you want to roll out Screech or exhume Boner from "Growing Pains" for your nefarious purposes, that's all fine and dandy. I get the kitsch appeal.

But "Megan Wants a Millionaire?" First off, these people aren't famous, VH1. No matter how many spinoffs you set them up with, they don't deserve their own shows. You have to go through at least three stints of rehab like Danny Bonaduce or have Suge Knight dangle you from a balcony like Vanilla Ice to earn that distinction. And really, could you perhaps do a better screening job of your nutjob contestants so that I never have to make a crass "Megan Probably Doesn't Want a Murderer" joke on this blog again? Small request.

Anyway, stay classy, VH1. Now you can get back to more important matters like Sunday's premiere of "Tool Academy 2."

-- Thomas Rozwadowski, trozwado@greenbaypressgazette.com