If we all lived in the box -- you know, the TV box -- life would be a hell of a lot easier. Taxes would be paid with ease. Mortgages would be managed. And even the lowliest job would be more than enough to maintain a respectable lifestyle, one that looks quite comfortable in fact.

Despite the grim economic news we hear every day, the characters on television have been able to survive -- indeed, thrive -- in some of the crappiest jobs in the universe.

An editorial assistant at a fashion mag, like Ugly Betty, finds a way to keep a Manhattan studio apartment, and commute home to Papi in Queens. Running a gym is a breeze for Old Christine, because she doesn't really work. And even without an income, Samantha Who? is never without her Jimmy Choos.

Dutch reality mogul John de Mol (pictured) has sold yet another series to ABC. (Can anyone explain to me why the Dutch have such a stranglehold on innovation in reality television?) This one is called The Golden Cage. It's a touch Big Brother, a touch Dynasty, a touch white collar prison. Here's the skinny. Ten people, who have each paid $14,000 to participate, are put in a luxury mansion. They have servants, throw lavish parties and, in the Dutch version at least, have sex with prostitutes. Whoo-hoo!