First let me say I've come to love "reality" television - that while it's over-the-top at times, the sense that a real human is behind the screen draws me into their story. I also love spy shows and mysteries. So I was pumped about this show, and the first several episodes had me hooked. There were so many characters sabotaging, the Australian views were incredible, and there was a fun energy in the cast. Above all, I wanted to see if my prediction about the mole was right, so I kept watching.
But, a small missing piece grew into a gaping disconnect when I realized that 6 or 7 episodes in, I knew NOTHING about these people. I saw no footage of them interacting during down times that weren't missions or quizzes to see their personalities come to life. Their confessionals were SOLELY about the mole and the missions, nothing else, so I knew nothing about their lives outside of the game. We didn't get to watch them interact off-script, and that started to feel empty.
"The Mole" needed Survivor-esque moments where a player catches two people forming an alliance, or finds them plotting. What about times where characters get to read letters or watch video from their family? Why are these people on this show? The "real" drama was just missing here, as was character building. By the end, I found I didn't care who won the money. And once it became more obvious who the mole was, the show dragged - it appeared the contestants felt that as well.
I hope they continue and build the concept, but if it continues as only a game show without any "real" people or vulnerability, I don't see this lasting beyond another season.
