‘UnREAL’ season 2, episode 2 review: Darius Beck’s first night; a power struggle
Is season 2 of “UnREAL” in a little bit of a sophomore slump? We certainly think that it’s a little too early to say that, but this second episode of the season Monday showed further how there can be some trouble with seeing the production of a reality dating show once more: We’ve seen it all before.
The joy of season 2 was learning all of these juicy behind-the-scenes secrets pay out; sure, “UnREAL” is sensationalized in a way that “The Bachelor” never would be, but it was still enjoyable seeing the proof behind the pudding. Some of that magic is gone, and part of the drama is predictable, such as Rachel deciding that she would manipulate one of her contestants into continuing to wearing a Confederate flag bikini. Meanwhile, we also saw Ruby being pushed to stay in the competition, despite this aforementioned contestant being against everything she stood for when it came to racial equality and advancement.
The most notable contestant right now is Tiffany, the daughter of a pro sports owner who is the “wifey” Quinn wants to push moving forward. She didn’t go home night one, but it still feels like she could be in danger.
Aside from the “Everlasting” components onscreen (which were probably the most entertaining part of the hour), there was also a rather-extreme power struggle that was taking place behind the scenes. What was the source of it? You don’t have to look any further than Quinn and Chet each trying to make their own versions of the show, while Rachel complained to the network and they eventually brought in a new producer … someone who could become more than a colleague.
In the end, episode 2 was a fun chance to get to know Darius Beck, our leading man desperate to repair his image and go with the flow. We just hope that at some point along the way this season, there’s a storyline we become completely addicted to like we did for much of the first season. Grade: B-.
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TV Watcher 35
June 14, 2016 @ 3:10 am
That was a great review. I actually got distracted watching the episode. It could not hold my attention. Except when Shiri was on screen. Season 1 was organic. Season 2 not so much. I am leaning towards sophomore slump. Like you I’ll officially hold back till the season is over. I think all the season 1 praise has gone to Sarah’s head. I am also starting to get tired of Quinn’s one liners. They are getting old fast. Hopefully they bounce back. Fingers crossed. Trying to stay possitive.
Matt Carter
June 14, 2016 @ 3:32 am
I really do like the show, and LOVED the first season. I think it’s just hard to recapture magic, and I feel like they’ll find their way soon enough.
TV Watcher 35
June 14, 2016 @ 6:29 am
ITA. What I loved about season 1 was the fact that it was new, original, fresh and not another medical or court room drama. It was different. Now I feel like UnREAL is trying to too hard to top it’s self. There is no need to do that. Don’t get me wrong it’s still one of the better shows on TV. It was my top show of 2015. As long as Shiri Appleby is on this show I will continue to watch. My gut tells me as the season rolls on they will find there way and bounce back. With Emmy worthy talent like Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer there is no way it could suck for too long.