Fox network plans to tempt
viewers with show's
sequel
By Jeff Cantwell
Staff
Writer
Love it or hate it, "Temptation Island" was a major
success. So what does Fox do now that it has a hit on its hands? That's
right, it's sequel time.
"Temptation Island" is the reality show that put
four loving couples on an island full of sexy singles to test the strength
of the couples' relationships. There were no cash prizes or awards —
just the gift of knowing that they were in strong relationships.
The show rode the popularity wave of reality TV
that started years ago with MTV's "The Real World." But it was "Survivor"
that truly brought attention to the phenomenon. "Temptation Island"
fed off the popularity of "Survivor" and then gained its own following.
Everyone has an opinion about "Temptation Island."
Whether they refused to watch it because they found it morally wrong,
watched it but hated themselves for it or rearranged their calendars
to make sure they never missed an episode, one thing is for certain:
this show grabbed the public's attention.
Nimfa Kyger, a sophomore in the School of Liberal
Arts, said she thought the show would be stupid and unbelievable.
"I couldn't believe that these people were willing
to put their private lives in front of the camera, knowing that their
significant other would eventually see it," said Kyger. "But I tuned
in once to see how unbelievable it was and I got hooked."
"The concept of 'Temptation Island' was intriguing,"
said Ashley Booth, a sophomore in the School of Liberal Arts. "And the
sexual tension made it exciting to watch."
Glenn Sparks, a professor in the department of
communication, said that reality TV relates to viewers because its focus
is on real people, not big-name stars.
"When people watch dramatic entertainment, whether
it is a movie or a television show, they form alignments with the characters
they are watching," Sparks said. "What makes them tune in next week
is the desire to find out if the people they like do well or the people
they don't like do poorly."
Not everyone is thrilled with the popularity of
reality TV.
"Reality shows like 'Temptation Island' are a perfect
example of what's wrong with America," said John Drescher, a senior
in the School of Liberal Arts. "We love watching other people's problems
but hate dealing with our own. People need to step away from their TVs
and get a life."
With as many negative opinions as positive ones,
is it smart to risk it all on a sequel?
"I won't watch it; that show was just dumb," said
Todd Aguilera, a senior in the Schools of Engineering. "I don't see
why people liked it, but if the show made money, then why wouldn't they
make another one?"
Jocelyn Conard, a senior in the School of Agriculture,
said that she loved watching the show every week. "We live in a voyeuristic
society where people really enjoy watching other people in compromising
situations," said Conard. "Of course people will watch the sequel."
Fueled by its love-hate popularity, "Temptation
Island" has made its mark on pop culture. Whether or not the show has
what it takes to continue will soon be tested. The Fox Network is looking
for couples to be a part of "Temptation Island 2."
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