How many more of these topsy-turvy reality dating shows can we take? Even well-done shows, such as Fox’s “Joe Millionaire,” have suffered lately.
That trend probably won’t change with the latest, NBC’s “Average Joe,” which debuts at 9 p.m. Monday with an interesting, though hardly inspired, premise: A former NFL cheerleader and Miss USA contestant chooses between 16 decidedly average–some slightly above, some slightly below–guys. It’s fun in the same way “Revenge of the Nerds” was fun, but don’t bet on a successful second season.
In the first episode, Melana is under the impression that her pool of guys will be of the muscular, tanned variety. She is greeted by such a man who then tells her he isn’t sticking around, but there are 16 great guys waiting to meet her. Then–big twist–a motor coach pulls up, not a limo.
They might have needed the big bus to haul around guys like Joe and Craig, two mountainous men, not mountain men.
Melana, a Kelly Ripa look-alike, handles the situation well enough, and soon she is mixing and mingling with a brave face. The producers promise a big surprise this season. My guess: Once she has bonded with some average guys, hot guys are introduced. Oh please. I’d rather see her end up with a geek.
There isn’t much to set this show apart. C-list ham Kathy Griffin hosts, and the production quality is average at best. There are no Melana hometown shots, only repeated bouncy beach-jogging and pool-lounging shots that clearly aren’t Kansas City. In so many images, the producers admit she’s generic eye candy, and the guys are the real stars.
Shows to watch
– Kelly Ripa hosting “Saturday Night Live” means there’s a good chance for Darrell Hammond’s excellent Regis impression. NBC at 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
– Fox’s Sunday comedies premiere at 6:30 p.m. with “King of the Hill,” followed by “The Simpsons” Halloween special and the debut of the funny “Arrested Development.”
– Fox must be burning off “Joe Millionaire,” as it airs new episodes both at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
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SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR WILLIAM P. BOHLEN, REDEYE’S TV COLUMNIST, CAN BE REACHED AT CHANNELINGTV@YAHOO.COM.
