BEAUTY AND THE GEEK Australia had the advantage of several years of the US version working out the bugs. It came across as friendlier, more targeted, and over all worked better.
The whole concept is definitely a geek fantasy, and one wonders what the girls really sign up for, (apart from the money.) They pair off and live together in the same room and bed for 6 or so weeks in a mansion setting. (They refer to the events as weeks apart, but who knows the actual filming schedule.) Everyone seems to make friends easily, and that is probably the greatest benefit for all involved - these socially awkward young men learning how to talk to and be around women that heretofore would not give them the time of day. Without question, the emotional and physical transformations are genuine and highly appropriate.
Yes, the geeks are probably coached not to shave or cut their hair for weeks before the filming, all to encourage the greatest physical transformation at their makeovers, but the point is well taken - the better you look, the more confidence it can give. Proving the old maxim, perception creates reality.
I think the girls grow as well during their time with the geeks. After spending so much of their youth in social circles containing male wolves and jocks, it is probably a breath of fresh air to be around men that are gentle, sensitive, and genuinely appreciative of womanly company. They find themselves liking these men for who they are, helping them penetrate the social boundaries that have hindered them for years.
The Australian version comes out a little cleaner and more polished, whereas the US version is more rough around the edges. Without question, the Australians are much more friendly and closer bonding than Americans, (and I found that very interesting.) I had always heard Aussies are very friendly, and the contrast between the two versions definitely bears that out. They genuinely pull for each other, whereas the US contestants generate much deeper rivalries and game playing.
I enjoyed this series, as I think it creates a universal interest and attraction between the two groups. (Almost makes me want to visit Australia.)
