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The main dilemma posed by the reality show Surviving Paradise is how will we manage to endure it? The easiest solution would be to simply not watch it. However, if everyone followed that mindset, what kind of society would we have? Perhaps a more civilized and tranquil one. It’s the negative emotions and ridicule that give us a sense of vitality, whether we admit it or not.

Let’s talk about the new show. There are twelve individuals from various regions in the United States who have been brought together on an island, possibly Greek, although the location is not important. Their purpose is to participate in a competition for a cash prize of $100,000. They arrive at a luxurious villa and express their excitement with loud screams. Throughout the show, they share personal thoughts on camera, such as “Don’t underestimate me, I’m a cheerleader!” and “I may be intense, but I’m not everyone’s cup of tea!” along with other phrases in different combinations.

After a power outage, the uncharismatic host Jessimae arrives and the game begins. The contestants must leave the villa and survive in the woods while forming alliances to earn a chance to return. With that, they are off, shocked by the sudden turn of events.

Out of the 12 individuals, only a small number truly stand out. One of them is Tabitha, who possesses a shrewd demeanor and a sharp, calculating gaze that suggest she was born to manipulate. “If he doesn’t vote for me,” she remarks after attempting to form a connection with a fellow contestant by, well, listening to him for a brief moment, “what a waste of time that would be.” Another contestant who catches attention early on is Lellies, who exudes an almost intimidating level of confidence and has an uncanny ability to exploit others’ vulnerabilities, which is both thrilling and not intimidating in a cold way.

On the opposite side is Copan, who hails from a small town in Oklahoma with a population of 800. He is unsure how his fellow inhabitants of the island will cope because they all seem to have such pure hearts. If you were to harm him, it’s likely that he would resemble Donny Osmond in his reaction. I would say the chances are about equal for whether he will succumb to the primal instincts of survival and resort to violence, or if he will remain civilized. There are also a couple of men who are so captivated by the women that they forget about the large sum of money at stake, which is almost charming in its own way.

Every reality show you’ve ever watched comes to life in bits and pieces. Challenges, similar to those in Survivor and I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, are given out (but not until the second episode). Contestants must navigate without modern conveniences in the great outdoors, much like in Survivor, I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, and other survival-based shows. And, as Jessimae reminds us repeatedly, alliances must be formed, just like in Big Brother and the aforementioned shows.

Champions, defeated individuals, and betrayers come out, fall back in, and then resurface in a different group. Certain contenders are disliked, others are adored, some are both loved and hated, and some are hated despite being loved. Connections are established, broken, altered, and then reestablished. You have strong feelings but also feel detached. This is a reflection of the complexity of human existence. Take pleasure in it or choose not to. It ultimately makes little difference.

Source: theguardian.com