The answer to the question above is a resounding “No. It cannot.” But it’s going to be fun trying! How ‘bout we delve into some prime quotations over the course of the first three episodes and see what we can see?
The Premise: Stacey Anderson, a successful 40-ish something in real estate, previously married and looking for love. Love of the younger, hunky sort. Quoth The Cougar: “I’m at the point in my life right now where I’m comfortable in my own skin. I know who I am and I find younger guys are the ones that are able to keep up with me. I think they’re less intimidated by my success and independence.”
Hooooooooooo-boy. Here we go. Already we have an inkling of what’s to come. And from the quip above, we know one thing right off the bat: It’s going to be jam-packed with all sorts of nifty snippets — some wonderful, some downright groan-inducing.
The voice-over announcement at the beginning of the program premiere episode states: “Welcome to a show that will change everything you know about relationships, love and getting older.” Now, to be honest, I reject totally the concept of everything I know about relationships changing within the 44 minutes of actual programming The Cougar will dole out each and every week. But, you never know. Mayhap I’ll learn sumpin’. I’m willing to give it a shot ….
Vivica Fox, the hostess of the show, notes: “We’re going to let you in on a cultural phenomenon that’s changing the entire dating scene. A woman in her prime is the ultimate catch.” Sigh. Didn’t I just state above I was willing to give this program an honest run? Now all I can think about is Harry the Truck Driver and his big rig full of cliches: “Hey, Harry. Yeah, yeah. I know. You’ve got a load of sound bites ready to dump and you want to know where to put’em.”
In a homey aww-gee moment, our Cougar confesses to her children: “I can’t pick somebody who’s right for me and not right for you.” Wonderful! She’s not only bright and perky, but she’s goofily daft as well! You’ll be picking from a select group of man-boy meat, some younger than your own children. And you actually believe they’ll be right for your kids? Seriously?!? Excuse me while I double over in a fit of laughter.
And what really attracts her to younger guys, you might wonder? “I would say their passion … their zest for life. They’re very spontaneous and let’s face it, I’m in my prime, they’re in their prime … so not only is that connection outside the bedroom but it’s also inside the bedroom as well.” I’m dyin’ here. See? The cliches will indeed come fast and furious.
But wait – there’s more! “Wisdom” from our Cougar: “I think that younger guys have to offer something that older men don’t really have. I think that they’re very spontaneous. I think they’ve got a zest for life.” Hmmmm. Older men. They just might be dead inside. Remember that opening line in the premiere episode? “Welcome to a show that will change everything you know about relationships, love and getting older?” Well, what do you know? I learned something new about getting old: Older Men = No Zest.
One last gem from our Cougar again to close out the third episode. And it’s a spiffy one. Raising her glass to the trimmed-down-to-twelve-contestants, The Cougar states: “As I say goodbye to Mr. Wrong, that’s bringing me one step closer to Mr. Right.”
Three episodes in, The Cougar is guilty pleasure fun, if for nothing else than some of the “revelatory” statements. Bury your jeers, stick that tongue firmly in cheek and tune in. It’s not brain food by any stretch of the imagination, but it will make you younger; laughing does that, you know.
Clacked by Michael Noble
on May 02, 2009 @ 16:00 EST5EDT
Have not seen this show. Guess I am just in the land of the lost. But still enjoyed reading your write-up.
Snap, I thought you were referring to Paulers and the Cougar…
I love this show for the pure cheese whiz that it is.
I only watch reality shows bound and gagged and drugged. Which in itself can be a bit fun…… took my sister 4 seasons to talk me into Idol….. is that a reality show?
Last year I saw all the ‘cougar’ references and David Cook. I had NO idea what a cougar was and had to ask. How embarrassing. I’m not one…….. never had been one so I don’t think I want to watch. Bound up or not. Sounds like a lot of friggin’ work to me……….
Haven’t watched the show, but seen the teasers. Laughing Sandyeggo’s comment about Paula and the Cougars…now there’s an idea!