At some point in the premiere of the new cycle of America’s Next Top Model, it becomes glaringly obvious that the producers have no doubt about the success of their show. Maybe it’s the cheerleaders, all contestants from past seasons, performing an out-of-synch and nonsensical routine about being a top model—“Don’t bring it, it’s been brought! Our pictures aren’t so hot! We pose with class, we walk with sass, who wants to be on top!” Or maybe it’s the extended metaphor of a “Top Model Finishing School,” which consists mostly of new models running and screaming in schoolgirl uniforms. Regardless, confident that loyal viewers will always tune in, Tyra Banks spends the first hour of the show’s newest installment reinforcing just how fierce she can be. And by fierce I mean fantastically insane.
America’s Next Top Model made its name by offering 13 unknown models the opportunity to “be on top.” Though the intent of the series is to showcase the contestants’ talent along their journey to be the last model standing, it often falls down into that reality TV black hole of crazy girl fights, absurd and pointless challenges, and contrived, overexcited screaming every time the same prizes are announced. Nonetheless, Top Model is increasingly popular, with a loyal following of people who watch for the pictures, kooky photo shoots, and Tyra’s egomaniacal insanity.
In the first episode, Tyra soon names herself Homecoming Queen of the finishing school and makes her grand entrance, complete with tiara and tear-streaked makeup. This whole scene is essentially confirmation that Ty-Ty has no intention of being any less out of her mind than in previous seasons. In a sobbing falsetto, she welcomes all the girls and, logically, apologizes for sleeping with all their boyfriends.
Once introduced, Ty interviews the candidates. She asks pressing questions, such as how one model might trick out her car. She also demands more of the ladies, by requesting one to attempt a lap dance. Stacy Ann, the lap dancer in question, proceeds to sing a song and perform a hilarious impression of a sexy dance. Of course, Tyra eventually joins her to add her special flavor to the routine.
Throughout all of this, the girls bicker and fight, calling each other “bitches” and “ghetto.” Apparently, these words are acceptable only if the models previously knew each other or if used in reference to oneself. This distinction is not quite explained, but what’s very unambiguous is that these models don’t appreciate being touched without permission—the threats of murder and other such bodily harm are abundant. However, these fights are easily cleared up with the revelation that Fatima, the center of most arguments, had undergone a ritualistic feminine circumcision while growing up in Somalia. What had previously been called “getting up in one’s face” turns into group hugs and support. Unbelievable? Maybe. Quality, predictable reality fare? Absolutely.
America’s Next Top Model has a standard to live up to, and it does so with gusto. To be blunt, it’s nothing new. This season might as well be a continuation of the last one. There are some surprises to mix it up, but the regular character types all make their appearances—the girl who has been there before, eight times, the plus-size model looking to be a role model, the girl with a past about which she wants to raise awareness, the dumb model who says ridiculous things and claims she is misunderstood and “down-to-earth” (the pretty girl’s equivalent of having a good personality).
The first challenge involves a photo shoot to “promote the issue of homelessness,” which does, somehow, get turned back around to relate to Tyra. The casting interviews range from serious talk about social issues to absurd renditions of the judges dancing. Finally, Tyra and the judges sit around for an hour and essentially talk trash about the pretty girls.
Maybe it’s all the same as before, but it’s also pretty great and exactly what past viewers have come to cherish. Reality television shows tend to follow a model, but they are founded in the classics, and of course America’s Next Top Model is just that.
In this, the tenth season, Tyra confirms her status as lovably nuts, and the girls play right into their reality stereotypes. But that’s not to say that it isn’t riveting television—if it’s what you’re looking for. America’s Next Top Model makes no excuses for the trashy, unabashedly superficial fluff that it is, and loyal fans will most certainly not be disappointed. The producers are counting on it.
Comments
We're looking for comments that are interesting and substantial. If your comments are excessively self-promotional or obnoxious you will be banned from commenting. Consult the comment FAQ and legal terms.