Ah, neighborly disputes. They’re the gift that keeps on giving, at least for those of us who enjoy watching other people’s lives implode from the safe distance of our living rooms. A&E’s “Neighborhood Wars” returns for its seventh season with “Minnesota Nasty,” and, yes, the title pretty much tells you what you’re in for. This isn’t gentle disagreement over misplaced garbage cans; this is full-blown, knock-down, drag-out animosity.
This season premiere wastes no time getting to the good stuff (and by “good stuff,” I mean the kind of train wreck television that makes you simultaneously cringe and reach for more cheetos – family size pack obviously). We’ve got a Florida family terrorized by their neighbor, a chemistry student with a penchant for injecting mysterious substances under their door. Is it a science experiment gone wrong? A bizarre form of pest control? Or just plain-old, run-of-the-mill crazy?
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, a dog-related disagreement escalates into a full-blown neighborhood feud. Because nothing brings out the worst in people quite like canine-related conflict. Let’s be real, has there ever been a polite discussion about barking dogs? The episode rounds out its roster of real-life dramas with a poolside brawl between moms in South Carolina. Because apparently, nothing says “summer fun” like a splash of chlorine and a good old-fashioned catfight.
“Neighborhood Wars” continues its tried-and-true formula of utilizing footage from security cameras, cell phones, and any other device that happens to capture the mayhem. This approach, while occasionally feeling a bit voyeuristic, effectively conveys the raw, unfiltered nature of these conflicts. You’re not getting polished narratives here; you’re getting the messy, unpredictable reality of people behaving badly.
“Neighborhood Wars” airs Tuesdays at 9:00 PM on A&E.