For this season, the cast takes their Jersey tactics to Italy, and even though I was looking forward to a season of debauchery abroad, they didn’t deliver. I don’t know if I am so numbed by drunken debauchery in the media, but the first two episodes were surprisingly tame—too tame.
The arrival episodes, though filled with quotable quotes (my personal favorite part of the show), didn’t provide the big bang of a beginning that I was expecting. The club scenes weren’t much of a hot mess—I’ve seen worse at The Vue—and the only juicy drama between the cast, in my opinion, is the situation between Deena and Pauly D. Call me a hopeless romantic (it would be the first time), but I think that in a crazy, screwed up way, they’d be a cute couple. Also, regarding nothing newsworthy, the Situation is up to his annoying shenanigans as always. He always forces himself into anything going on between housemates and makes the scenario all about him (much to my chagrin).
If I am right about my hunch, and the Shore has become a little lame, it may have something to do with the laws abroad. From what I’ve heard, the Polizei in Italy have cracked down on the cast members. According to an article from the New York Post, the mayor of Florence outlined specific rules the cast must abide by. Among these guidelines, Matteo Renzi, the mayor, wants the show to focus more on the culture of Florence, and in no way wants to promote it as a “party town.” With these strict measures, what could the show possibly offer to viewers who relish in the idiocy of their actions? From what the previews offer, it looks like Ronnie might be right in saying you can expect "drama, hookups, breakups, [and] make-ups.”
