I know that this is a week late, but I figured that where Jersey Shore is involved, late is better than never.
So season four is underway, and the cast is in Italy.
And when I say cast, I feel like I'm actually talking about paid actors. The Jersey Shore kids aren't kids anymore, and their interactions seem a lot more contrived and rehearsed than they did in the first season. They're wearing clothing from their own Jersey Laundry brand. They've raked in a ton of cash through endorsement deals and autobiographies. They have their own perfume and jewelry lines. They've been featured on every talk show out there. DJ Pauly D is currently touring with Britney Spears.
They're kind of famous now.
It's pretty obvious that the fame has gone to their heads. Check out Nicole "Snooki" and Jenny "JWOWW." Both have lost a ton of weight and are more focussed on their appearances than they were in previous seasons. Which is really saying something, since a modest and non-image-focussed Jersey Shore cast member has never existed. But it's clear that these two girls in particular are feeling the strain of fame.
Then there's Mike "The Situation," who has always been of questionable moral standing but seems messed up on a whole new level this season. From the season preview, it looks like he spends most of his time trying to mess up Snooki's relationship and to make everyone in the house as miserable as possible without accepting the blame. It was suggested to me that he may be on drugs, and I can see where that's coming from. While he's never been very coherent, Mike's ramblings are more disjointed and confusing than ever.
My personal favourite of any season of Jersey Shore is the constant question of whether or not Sammy "Sweetheart" and Ronnie will get back together. My guess is that yes, they will have some period of relationship-ness, before breaking up and smashing each other's things. Lots of crying and heart felt rants to the camera will ensue, until they both agree that they shouldn't spend more time together, then promptly sign up to shoot season five.
Thank goodness we have the Vinny/Pauly bromance to hold the show together. Without their constant jokes and laid-back takes on the drama going on in the house, the show would grind to a painful halt rather than clicking along dysfunctionally. They're the comic relief and I think their Jersey Shore castmates owe them a big "thank you" for keeping everyone sane and living together, and so guaranteeing them all their nice, fat paycheques.
It's going to be an interesting season. Even haters of the show have to admit that there's something that draws us to watch. You can put it down all you want and condemn it for being trash, but you're still talking about it, and that's just more money in their bronzer-stained pockets.
Tonaya recognizes that it's rare that she says anything of importance, but if you'd like to get in contact with her she can be reached at tmarr@estevanmercury.ca or 634-2654. There's also the option of following her on Twitter (@tellemarr), but really, that just gives her an excuse to say more pointless things.
