The premise of the show is pretty simple. Instead of choosing from a group of men worthy of GQ modeling careers, the Beauty chooses from a handful of guys who are not exactly the typical eye candy. The Beauty gets over her initial shock, swallows her disappointment and does her best to humor the guys. Just when it seems she might be really falling for the suitors, the producers introduce the Prince Charmings.

Melana, the former NFL cheerleader and beauty queen, tried to be diplomatic about the process. Perhaps it was more shock and surprise than anything else in her case -- unlike Larissa, the artist and beauty queen, who vocally expressed her opinion of the Average Joes. Surprisingly (Adam was such a sweetheart with definite marriage potential) and unsurprisingly (Justin was adorable with summer fling potential), Melana chose the Prince Charming over the Average Joe. Was it love? Was it looks? Was it personality? Only she knows.

Average Joe 2: Hawaii is not horrible but, as most sequels, lacks the originality. There does not seem to be many possible surprises. Viewers may watch it for an entire season only to fulfill their Reality TV fix. It also lacks charisma. Larissa sounds like she is poorly reading from a cue card when she gives her testimonials. Melana had a little more emotion. The Prince Charmings seem extremely arrogant and unattractive from the teasers. The original Prince Charmings were not portrayed as boastful and mean.

What is most bothersome is how Larissa's honest and candid reaction in the first episode was so highly criticized on the bulletin boards at the NBC website. However, no one really chastised the guys for being just as shallow. "Watch, the joke will be on us. She's actually 5'2" and 250 lbs" (???, 1/5/04). Also, the editors made a nice little montage of the Average Joes talking about how "hot" and "sexy" she is. Would they have reacted with the same eagerness if Larissa did, indeed, turn out to be that 5'2" and less than slim girl? Probably not. But, if that was the case, there would not be a show...

~* January 19, 2004 @ 8:55 pm *~