Between the accusations of pretension, reenactments, the clash of the self-appointed "drinkers and thinkers" and a lovely replication of Shallow Hal-ness, we have "Average Joe." Still, the obvious bachelor of choice is Adam, the affluent Wall Street Trader.
Since the show's inception, Adam has proved himself to be the nice guy. Donning a philanthropic spirit, he manipulates awkward moments into bouts of laughter. Moreover, he waters down the testosterone-fueled sentiments of the other Joes. Even in episode 5, during a spell of anger, he keeps his thoughts G-rated and his tongue calm.
Beyond Adam's obvious stance in the stunning Malena's eyes, "Average Joe" has a typical subtext: music. Listen to this show, or any reality TV show. However, don't listen to dialogue. Rather, listen to what is intensifying or gutting the dialogue: It's the music.
Note how dark orchestral progressions underscore dramatic scenes while afterthoughts are tenderized with trickles of piano. One can't forget the droplets of marimba appearing during quasi-romantic dating scenes, where Malena wears a Joe like he was just another fashion accessory. Also, the happier scenes of resolution ring with convivial guitar chords and cymbal crashing.
Stepping aside the cookie-cutter music selection for "Average Joe," the crux of the episode revolves around Malena and her lovely new blunder with sociology. In a stunning allusion to Shallow Hal, she dons a fat suit. After being ignored and even called a "hog" in downtown Palm Springs, the ballooned Malena (renamed Danielle, Malena's alleged cousin) returns to the mini-palace to interview the other Joes, incognito. And they, of course, are oblivious to the entire scheme.
After an initial interview with the disguised Malena, the Joes flock to the poolroom, which contains three hidden cameras to record their conversation. While every Joe spits out some quip about "Danielle," Zach commits social suicide with his hilarious "DUFF" jibe. Yes, my roommate and I doubled over when Zach said "Danielle" was a DUFF, or a Designated Ugly Fat Friend, in respect to Malena. If nothing else, Zach's comment will be added to every sociology textbook with an American dating chapter.
The question that episode 5 created was how Malena, despite Zach's obvious pretentiousness and two-faced actions, hesitates to boot him off. But to be sure, he deserves it.
Episode 5 has few other distinguishing characteristics. Sure, the dazzling Jason and Malena steam up the rear of a limo - it was funny. But the dull-tongued pretty boy Michael talks as if he were reading a teleprompter in his brain. Zach is a jerk and Adam is funny. The sun rises, and then it sets.
If nothing else, episode 5 increased my faith in Malena as a human being. While she actually seemed surprised at people's negative reactions to her faux-portly visage, her ability to judge the Joes based on their actions rather than their looks (or lack thereof) is admirable. Malena might need a crash course in common sense, and need to catch a bit more CNN. However, locked up in that shapely body every Joe objectifies lives modest virtue and somewhat fair judgment.
Episode 6 carries the intriguing premise. Narrowed down to the warm Adam and the Abercrombie-poster-boy incarnate, Jason, "Average Joe" might be worth watching for the first and last 15 minutes.
Chris Kark is a reporter for the Web Devil. Reach him at christopher.kark@asu.edu.
