Eight couples find their love and relationship put through the ultimate test in M-Net's new reality series, Power Couple, writes Debashine Thangevelo
VIEWERS can’t ignore the barrage of Power Couple promos on DStv in the build-up to its airing next Thursday.
The first question I asked myself prior to watching the first two episodes is: Why should I care?
There is no celebrity draw card. These couples are so random, why should I become invested in them?
In a reality playground, dominated by music, food and other dramatic relation-ship-based offerings, will this hold my attention span for an hour?
Besides, as viewers, we can afford to be discerning as we are spoilt for choice.
Bottom line, I went into the viewing a cynic and left, well, feeling far more optimistic.
The format, interestingly enough, is based on a hit Israeli reality TV series. SA is the first to produce it in English.
It has also proven to be a huge success in Portugal as well as several other countries.
The SA series sees eight couples pitted against each other. The production value is impressive. Then again, when you have a top-notch technical team, some of whom have worked on international formats like Survivor, it is to be expected.
In the first two episodes the media were privy to, many got to settle on their favourites. These decisions were based on how the couples interact with each other and how they work together as a team – especially in the face of physical adversity. Of course, their personalities will play a crucial role as well.
Power Couple puts the strength of each relationship to the test. The fact that there is money up for grabs only adds to the pressure.
As far as reality shows go, this is a game changer in terms of its freshness, concept-wise. It has all the psychological thrills and deception of Survivor and the adrenalin rush of Fear Factor and the Amazing Race.
While some relationships grow stronger, the cracks start to widen in others. Let’s just say, a few skeletons start to rattle…