A Pastel America

THE SHOW: “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” 8 p.m. Sundays, Channel 7.

THE SETUP: People mail in videos of private goofs or a loved one’s humiliation to gain laughs on national TV. Host Bob Saget (pictured) provides snide narration. Your foibles will be judged. Weekly winners get a cash prize.

THE LOOK: America is wearing lots of cotton, lots of loose clothing, lots of pastel colors. You won’t see much Spandex or black (few camcorders on Melrose). What style there is starts to fall apart as the video setups become forced: stage clothes on 3-year-olds (sequined jackets do not belong on anyone whose car seat is made by Fisher-Price), take-offs on TV commercials and music videos. Preschoolers and family pets (fortunately, few pets have been clothed) are the subject of many tapes.

THE SCARY PART: It’s hard to figure the judging system. One week the winner was a schnauzer that managed to croak out the word “mama.” It sounded like a scene from “The Exorcist.” In another prize winner a woman got her head stuck in the dishwasher and instead of helping her, hubby turned on the camera. One could comment on the sight of the woman’s derriere covered with stretch pants. But fashion is the least of this couple’s worries. Hard to imagine why critics says the show is sadistic, huh? Host Saget wears jackets and slacks on the conservative edge of hip, from San Fernando Valley stores such as Rick Pallack and Ron Ross. He usually looks permanently pressed, although on one show his pants seemed sort of high-water short. Maybe it was some weird tribute to Michael Jackson.

THE PAYOFF: Ten grand for weekly winners, $100,000 at the end of the season. And, with any luck, the short memories of anyone who recognizes you.