Episode 10, The Climax, is the end of five seasons of reality film encompassing 49 Episodes all variants of the same basic, but entertaining plot. I approached this series with curiosity but pessimistic expectations. I watched Series 5 and ended with a sense of uncertainty as to what it meant. However, the curiosity had increased such that I embarked on a binge view of Series 1-4.
The series is composed of five distinct retreats, advertised to social players as a complimentary party with other young adults just beyond the adolescent social period. The criteria for acceptance was a high sexual drive, in concert with brief relationships, with no desire to build an emotional connection. However, the guests were not aware that this was a psychotherapeutic retreat with the goal of changing their outlook and behavior, from players into persons committed to a more lasting relationship as couples. The players were shocked and disappointed when notified of the authentic basis for their gathering. However, they were motivated to stay by a reward of substantial prize money for players who best transitioned into couples, dedicated to each other rather than individually to themselves.
I came to appreciate that most of the players had been hurt by emotionally painful relational rejection in their past, leaving them afraid of being hurt again, and phobic of commitment beyond an emotionless transient interaction. The first goal of the therapeutic retreat was for them to face the unpleasant truth of that fear.
The second goal was to recognize that they had feelings of emotional rather than just physical attractions to another person.
The third goal was to change their behavior from that of a player to that of a caring person towards another and for that to be bilateral.
Some, but not all, players were able to make the transition, but most were able to gain insight into themselves and this, plus the chance at a monetary award, kept them trying.
The successful couples bonded very well. However, I experienced cautionary thoughts. First was that the success was due to starstruck love, a physiologic experience of pleasure, which is transient, lasting from just a day up to six months, when it usually fades. In essence, one form of pleasure had been replaced by another. This made the long-term outcome uncertain, but still possibly successful for the couples who had taken the first step towards a long-term relationship.
For me, the most interesting part of the series was speculating which couples were and were not likely to succeed, and why. I learned something about human behavior important in the lives of people in that time of young adulthood.