How Far Will They Go?

Last year, the Fox television network set new standards for tasteless, banal, and amoral programming with "Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?" On that program, 50 single women competed to be chosen as bride for an alleged multi-millionaire: Rick Rockwell.

I say "alleged" because it turned out that Rockwell's "fortune" was really a sham, just as was his nationally televised marriage to Darva Conger. Now, in "Temptation Island," its latest tasteless offering, Fox has set out to do for courtship what it did for the institution of marriage.

"Temptation Island" bears a superficial resemblance to other so-called "reality television" programs, like the "Survivor" series. In exchange for national exposure, participants agree to allow the producers to capture every waking moment--especially what Fox calls the "tantalizing" ones. Participants must "feel comfortable appearing on national television in a bathing suit and similar attire."

But what distinguishes "Temptation Island" from shows like "Survivor" is its premise. Not content to merely outlast each other, these contestants will actually try to seduce each other.

There will be four couples. Upon arrival at the island, the man and woman in each couple will be separated from one another. In fact, for the next two weeks, they'll have no contact with each other. What will they be doing? Well, as Fox puts it, they'll be playing "physical and relationship games" with a group of scantily clad singles.

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