The Complex: Malibu – A Preview

Most psychologists agree that home remodeling is right up there on the list of stressors in a relationship. Between the mess, expense, hard work, and constant need for balance in the relationship, renovating a home can put anyone’s nerves on edge and reveal personality traits that may have previously been kept under wraps! Considering all of this, imagine what would happen if this experience were placed within the framework of reality TV; thus adding yet another stressor to the mix! This is exactly what Fox has done in creating the latest in a string of reality shows, The Complex: Malibu, premiering August 30 in a two hour special (8:00 p.m. EDT).

The show, which is based on The Block, a hit on Australian television, takes eight couples and moves them into an apartment building in Malibu. Initially, the couples will compete for the chance to work on one of four units in the building. They will contribute their ideas as to restoration, design, architecture, and decoration of the units. A panel of experts will then determine which couples stay and which go home. Once the units have been completed, they will be sold. The couple whose unit realizes the highest profit at the sale will win the profit from the sale of all four units!

The “cast” for this show is interesting and diverse, and all these couples are enthusiastic about this opportunity. They include:

Barney and Rose (Hauppauge, NY): The oldest of the eight couples, Barney and Betty have experience and wisdom on their side. There is something to be said for longevity in a relationship, and this may give them an advantage when it comes to working together. They admit to arguing, though so their interchanges should prove to be amusing, to say the least.

Brad and Lew (Phoenix, AZ): Together nine years, Brad and Lew acknowledge that they have different tastes but promise their designs will be simple and tasteful. This will not be their first time renovating property, and this should benefit them throughout the project. There are certainly fewer surprises when you have gone through this process once before.

Carl and Kim (Las Vegas, NV): Calling themselves the “perfect couple,” Carl and Kim are aggressive and focused. But will Kim’s explosive temper and extreme taste derail their efforts to make it to the end of the game? This couple has the potential to go either way.

Dave and Ana (New York, NY): These two are an example of “opposites attracting,” but together they are focused, and both say they are organized and responsible. They bring their mutual taste for things modern and minimal.

Erik and Jayna (Dallas, TX): This “artsy” pair has also had experience in renovation, and bring their individual creative talents to the mix. They seem to have found a good balance, and enjoy working together. Although they are not “masters” at any one thing, they seem confident that they can get the job done.

Steve and Nicole (Chicago, IL): They are opposites but claim to have similar interests and are very competitive people, both within the relationship and with others. Steve is the money guy and plans everything out, while Nicole is more impulsive.

Sanyika and Monique (Washington, DC): This DC couple hopes to capitalize on their experience on the show and plans to continue working in real estate once the show is over. They are highly motivated, over-achievers who claim to work well together.

Scott and Sam (Canton, GA): Already popular with the “message board” set, Scott and Sam are a likeable, yet quirky twosome, who say they are “made for television.” She claims to be sneaky and he says they will do “whatever it takes” to win. All it takes is one look at their “Redhead and Redneck Renovation Team” tee shirts to know that these two are no joke!

Donna Reynolds is a self-proclaimed entertainment junkie and writes That's Entertainment, a daily column for syracuse.com highlighting events of local interest as well as her take on all things reality! She is also doing a weekly spot on a Syracuse radio station, commenting on the latest entertainment buzz. In addition, Donna does technical writing for a medical equipment company and is a part-time aquatic dance instructor. Whether you agree or disagree, Donna welcomes your comments and you can email her at dlrturtle@earthlink.net.