I saw a tape last week of the first episode plus 20 minutes of episode 2. That's what Fox sent out for media writers to review. (A friend works at a Fox affiliate and got me a copy.) Anyhow, my main observation is that the show - at least at the start - isn't nearly as sleazy as the promos would lead you to believe. Nobody gets naked and jumps in a hot tub in the first episode and a half anyway. There's also no cash incentive like "Survivor," "Big Brother" or "The Mole." These four couples are simply testing the strength of their relationships. (Sounds like a stupid reason to embarrass yourself on TV.)
I have to take exception with the claim that the four couples are unmarried but "seriously committed." One couple has a blowup before the end of the first episode. (They both admit he's been cheating.)
One clever idea from the producers - They surveyed the four couples to find out what sort of men and women they are attracted to. Then they brought in singles that matched those types.
So what happens?
- It starts slowly, taking too long to introduce the couples and get them to the island. Since they were clearly inspired by "Survivor," couldn't they have taken a cue from that show and skipped the dull intros. (The ones that made the first episode of "Big Brother" so dull.)
- After travelling to the island, the men and women get to meet the 26 singles. The four men get to immediately kick off one man they think is a threat. The four ladies do the same. That leaves 24 total.
- Later, the men are offered the chance to see a video interview of the man their girlfriend went on a date with. The catch - if they watch it, the girlfriend gets to see a video of their date talking about them.
- Also, each man and women get to bar one of the twelve remaining singles from going on one of the dates that the organizers plan for their significant other. Sounds like a good plan, but it may lead to less-structured socializing among them. (Forbidden fruit, you know.)
- By the way, the men are moved to a separate area - by boat - away from their girlfriends. Of course, the single women are on their island. The single guys are back with the girlfriends. (I guess it should be called "Temptation Islands" with an "s." Doesn't sound as good, though.)
Anyhow, don't expect anything groundbreaking from this show. The premise is rather silly but unusual. I'll probably watch the next episode just to see where it goes.