I am sitting here completely at a loss. I normally approach these things with enthusiasm. Even if I am about to annihilate the subject, I seldom have any difficulty formulating an arsenal to defend my position. Tonight, however, I am beginning to get the unsettling feeling that perhaps I have got this all-wrong. I wonder if any of the contestants on "The Rebel Billionaire" were feeling the same way when they got to this point in the game?
Certain things are tacit belief about reality television. Foremost is the fact that very little of it is "real". I am certain in the future there will be entire college curriculum devoted to the study of the RTV phenomena and the science behind the manipulation of events for maximum "entertainment" value.
Let's just accept for the moment that, before the first casting call, the producers of "The Billionaire"(as it was called back then) knew exactly what direction they wanted the unscripted show to follow.
What puzzles me is how this "Quest for the Best" has veered off into a mélange of hard-to-fathom challenges capped by eliminations that follow an increasingly conflicting set of principles. I want to believe that by the end of the series, Sir Richard Branson will have found a worthy candidate for the intended position and that somehow all of the convoluted criteria for judging the challenges will be reconciled but I am beginning to think this may not be possible. Let me give you a straight recap and reserve judgment for a while. Perhaps by reviewing the events more closely and looking back at some of the other tapes I can get a clearer picture about where we are heading, because frankly, right now I am baffled.
There are two negative features of this show we have begun to take for granted. First of all, there is no concern for keeping the viewers in suspense. Since the first preview we have been able to glean enough information to predict the lifespan of many of the contestants. We have also known in advance what many of the challenges would entail. The outcome of tonight's first challenge was revealed in the opening seconds. The editors have little regard for the fan that likes to be surprised by the turn of events each week - they must think we tune in for their brilliant staging of events. The second thing that is becoming abundantly clear is that the producers have decided to take the low road; to go for shock (or should I say "schlock") value rather than adhere to the expectations set by Sir Richard Branson himself when outlining his goals for this series.
Take tonight's episode. Within the first few seconds of the lead-in we see a clip that gives away the outcome of the team challenge. This is followed by an intro that focuses on the "budding romance" that was initially hinted at - more like thrust upon us - last episode. The uncomfortable moment that Richard asked about any potential hook-ups among the group served as a preface for the focus of the drama this week. We learned that Steve and Jessica had been flirting furiously but the key bit of information that surfaced last week was the fact that neither was willing to sacrifice their chances in the competition for the sake of pursuing their mutual attraction. Too much time is wasted setting up this scenario again. We see some playful interchange at the airport; good-natured teasing from teammates and finally get to hear Steve and Jess voice their own opinions about the possibilities. Steve says it's no secret that they are attracted to each other and he thinks that they share a closer relationship then any of the other players. On the other hand, Jessica tells us "Steve and I have a forbidden love - he loves me, and I forbid it!"
Sir Richard welcomes the group to the location where he "lost his virginity" - the crypt where the first Virgin Record offices were housed. Once more the teams are divided by gender and asked to select a captain. What a surprise! Steve and Jessica are chosen by their teammates and, as in the first challenge, they are then instructed to join the opposite team. Steve is stoked to be leading the women in this challenge and Jessica is confident that she has the qualifications to lead the men to victory. She gives us her theory on what it takes to lead a successful team - respect, admiration and fear. (After tonight's revelations she may have a hard time commanding the first two for a while.) Heather says that she believes the women will succeed in spite of "any craziness that Steve brings."
Because there couldn't have possibly been anything more interesting to show, considering that they are guests in a fabulous London mansion, we are treated to a thrilling display of Steve's bare chest as he strikes comic poses to entertain Erica and Gabriel. More excitement to follow - tension brews at dinner as Steve sulks while Jess "flirts" with Michael. Words are exchanged; commentary is provided and the possibility of any further development in the relationship is quenched by the mutual understanding that each of them intends to play the game, first and foremost. I just don't want to dignify this stupid waste of airtime with any further comment. The only viable bit of information that can be sifted from this entire venture into soap opera is that Steve and Jessica have additional incentive to win this leg of the competition. The tension between them should fuel their performance.
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