April 02, 2002 // 2:47 p.m. // Apexsensation's guide to dating shows
Apexsensation's take on the many dating shows! We begin with Blind Date. Perhaps the most fun and entertaining of the dating shows, Blind Date follows two people on a date, and in the style of Pop Up! Video, gives us details about the daters and thought bubbles as to what they're thinking. Very animated, literally. In newer episodes, they re-visit a date gone wrong in the "Hall of Shame." What to expect: Two dates per show, each consisting of a wacky activity, dinner, a trip to the bar, and if they're lucky, "extracurricular activities." Following each date, each individual discusses the date, and whether they'd date the other person again. Also expect: a Ford Explorer or Expedition (male always drives) to take them to where they're going, and a green United Independent Taxi to take the two drunks home. What you'll be asking: Where does the SUV they drive on the date end up at the end of the night. Overall grade: A for creativity, C- for people picked, C- for host, B- for entertainment. Overall: B-. Next we examine TLC's A Dating Story. If you watch TLC and have never seen this show, it's just like their half dozen other shows with similar titles. A "matchmaker" sets up two of his or her own friends for a date. What to expect: A couple and a matchmaker, usually in their 30's looking for someone to settle down with. Look for awkward silences and a date not set to a generic soundtrack. The show is more like a traditional first date. Nothing wild here, kiddies. This show is G rated. What you'll be asking: Why doesn't the matchmaker introduce these two earlier? Why did they wait until the show to introduce these two? Third, we have Elimidate. The premise of this show revolves around one male or female taking out four members of the opposite sex. After each round (or mini date) the person has to cut someone until one remains. What to expect: You'll commonly find an intelligent type, quiet type (usually the first eliminated), an exhibitionist and a wild one. It's usually one of the last two that win. During the date, the show cuts to Real World-like confessional shots, where the person tells briefly of something going on in the show. What you'll be asking: Why don't they pick a different type of guy who will ultimately pick the shy girl? Finally, MTV's Dismissed. Similar to the above but with two dates per show, a male or female take out two members of the opposite sex (unless it's a rare same sex episode of the show). The two then compete for the attention of the person they're competing for. The "contestants" each have a part of the date that they pick out, and a "time out" card that they can use to shoo the other away for twenty minutes when they want to get closer. What to expect: If it's two males competing, a goofy guy, very much the class clown vs. a cocky and very arrogant guy. The cocky generally wins. If it's two girls, a wild partier/exhibitionist vs. a more intelligent, reserved girl, usually a student. The more wild girl usually wins, but it's more 60/40 or 70/30 in her favor. What you'll be asking: Why do people always use their time out card at the worse times? Last time on Apexsensatin : Now on Apex : Apex Archives : Next time on ApexsensatinAn exclusive!