Ok, so after a few elimination rounds this guy picks a woman from a pool of contestants to do what?
Get married? date? whirlwind tour of all the talk shows?
I understand the entertainment value of the winner’s reaction when Joe reveals his secret. But to what end?
If Joe’s opinion of the chosen one is crushed when she runs from the studio screaming at the sight of his empty wallet, can’t he just call up one of the eliminated and say, “I think I may have made a mistake. Wanna have dinner tonight?”
I don’t understand why he is stressing over this decision?
I couldn’t care less about Joe Millionaire to be honest with you. Just from the promos it looked to have no redeeming values whatsoever. I totally agree with you. What IS the point?
Joe Millionaire’s secret will be revealed not just to the “winner”, but all seventeen of the women will be reunited for the revelation. Our guilty pleasure is thus enhanced seventeen times over.
How low is FOX going to go? As low as the viewing public will tolerate. Sure the intelligentia sits around dissing JM and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire and the other stuff, but how many millions of people with billions of bollars to spend are hanging on every episode?
The point is the same as with anything on TV: ratings.
If people will watch, a show will go on. Remember, networks are not in the business of making programming; they’re in the business of selling advertising. And the better the ratings, the more money they make.
Remember, the first rule of analyzing television is that networks are there to sell advertising. Everything else follows from that.
“Remember, networks are not in the business of making programming; they’re in the business of selling advertising.”
It never ceases to amaze me that people need to be reminded of this. I recall reading an interview with David Sarnoff (the man who, more than any other, pioneered mass electronic media through the idea of getting a radio into everyone’s house). In the interview, Sarnoff said, “The programs are an afterthought. I’m in the business of selling soap powder.”
I think a few people are losing sight of the point of my question.
Most people understand the reason for the existance of the show.
However, I appreciate the profoundly classified insiders view of broadcasting economics.
My question referred to the premise of the show.
Are Joe and the winner contractually obligated to do anything?
Is Joe’s decision irrevocable?
Theoretically, the point is for Joe to fall in love with one of the girls. That way at the end and the Big Reveal, we can see if she loves him for him, or for his money. That’s where the angst and drama is.
Of course, since he’s choosing them and they aren’t choosing him, how is he going to know she loves him at all? Anyway, after the manufactured angst/drama is shot and aired, I don’t think FOX gives a shit what they do.
This question has been bothering me for a little while, but was really brought to the fore last night when I watched this week’s episode.
OK, so he’s down to two. He has to choose one. For what? To say, “I choo-choo-choose you!”? Do they get a prize? Do they have to get married (no)? Do they go on a trip together?
As craiger asked, What’s the point?
He’s not in love with either of the final two. If Zora wins, I’ll be completely gobsmacked. I mean, he’s obviously into Sara (hmmm…maybe a poor choice of words).
In any case, I don’t think there are any real feelings between any of these people. So a fella you hardly know and went out on a few dates with lied to you. So what?
I’ll still watch the finale, but only because I’m hoping that they’ll reveal some other secret, or tell us what the point is.
In all, the show seems sort of slapped together. They obviouslyl added in the extra stuff with Paul the Butler after the filming was complete, because Alex McLeod was so horrible as a host. She’s not even in the show, except to tell the girls “Evan is coming in to give some of you necklaces, but not others. So I’ll just go get Evan.” What’s the point of that, my friends?