The first episode or two made the premise seem quite promising, indeed: Viewers are introduced to the concept, and the selection of participants/contestants is explained. The producers expect to put 2 couples into a primitive situation where they'll build a homestead using the materials, tools, resources, and techniques in common use in the late 19th century.
Things get off to a less than promising start, however, as the first couple chosen is forced out of the competition before it even gets fully under way. The alternates join the production, and seem from the outset to be a poor match for the pair already hard at work and committed to living the pioneer way of life. Let the audience manipulation and manufactured conflict begin.
The foursome are required to share supplies, even sleeping quarters, and appear to have signed on to the project for very different reasons. That is, the younger couple are anxious to learn, grow, and to arrive at a deeper understanding of what life must have been like for those who originally settled the land. The replacements appear to view the quest as a social experiment. They spend a lot of time socializing with neighbors, and even discussing their sex life with the production crew.
The production crew are always present. The couples produce nightly video journal entries, and the 21st century with all its electronics, conveniences, tools and trappings is in evidence 'round the clock. These 4 are doing anything but living in the 1870s.
They don't travel to the village to purchase or barter for supplies. They (and their film crew) travel to a crossroads where they meet others from the crew & collect supplies, necessities, and sundries.
The sound and lighting are much too sharp to ever let the viewer believe we've re-entered an earlier way of life.
Things get off to a less than promising start, however, as the first couple chosen is forced out of the competition before it even gets fully under way. The alternates join the production, and seem from the outset to be a poor match for the pair already hard at work and committed to living the pioneer way of life. Let the audience manipulation and manufactured conflict begin.
The foursome are required to share supplies, even sleeping quarters, and appear to have signed on to the project for very different reasons. That is, the younger couple are anxious to learn, grow, and to arrive at a deeper understanding of what life must have been like for those who originally settled the land. The replacements appear to view the quest as a social experiment. They spend a lot of time socializing with neighbors, and even discussing their sex life with the production crew.
The production crew are always present. The couples produce nightly video journal entries, and the 21st century with all its electronics, conveniences, tools and trappings is in evidence 'round the clock. These 4 are doing anything but living in the 1870s.
They don't travel to the village to purchase or barter for supplies. They (and their film crew) travel to a crossroads where they meet others from the crew & collect supplies, necessities, and sundries.
The sound and lighting are much too sharp to ever let the viewer believe we've re-entered an earlier way of life.