The 16th season of The CW's "America's Next Top Model" ("ANTM") kicked off last Wednesday, and this time around, the show is doing all it can to differentiate itself from previous cycles without losing its essence.
Tyra Banks fans, never fear: The show still utterly revolves around her. Tyra even goes so far as to point out to her new residents that the house has been fully decorated — with photos of herself. The viewers are further reminded of this with a self−centered, albeit amusing, Tyra−focused introduction.
In the opening of the episode, Tyra plays the part of the spoiled rich girl who "will do everything but cut my hair," the incredibly confident girl "not here to make friends" and the naturally talented artsy model who starts off by saying that she "doesn't want to be here." The stereotypes will be familiar to veteran viewers.
The contestants' personalities immediately present themselves. Several in particular stand out, including Alexandria, a girl with immense confidence and little−to−no reserve about sharing her fashion knowledge; Sara, whose androgynous looks, awkward demeanor and bizarre rattail cause her to stick out among the perfectly coiffed girls; and Jaclyn, who, at 20, is one of the oldest girls in the house but whose sweet drawl causes her to be cast as the baby.
Perhaps in an attempt to retain long−time viewers and garner new ones, "ANTM" has implemented small but significant changes. After a season that only included petite models, followed by one with huge designers, "ANTM" is raising its stakes by changing the format. Gone are the casting episodes, replaced instead with a horrific prank. Told that they had been eliminated, several of the girls began to cry, only to be informed by Tyra that she was teaching them the first lesson of modeling: handling rejection.
To keep up with the high fashion of last season, Cycle 16 began with an Alexander Wang fashion show. But the presentation of the runway served to remind viewers that this is a show dedicated more to illustrating drama than showcasing talent. The girls, many about to walk in their first−ever fashion show, are told they will be walking in giant plastic bubbles over a pool. Oddly enough, no Bubble Boy or immunodeficiency disease jokes ensue, but uncomfortable−to−watch walks and even two dreadful tumbles do come to the fore.
"ANTM" itself is a brilliantly crafted model. Though it boasts only a few contestants who have been successful in the long run, it still manages to acquire large viewership. Unlike reality shows such as "American Idol," "ANTM" entices its viewers with drama and interesting challenges. The viewers do not feel like they are playing a part in determining the fame of future stars, but rather like they are watching a well−orchestrated soap opera. Fourteen girls in one house: Drama inevitably ensues.
Their first photo shoot is one of the few things that is not overly planned on the show. Rather than have the girls deliberately pose in artificial lighting on a fashioned set, the models are shot behind the scenes as they both physically and mentally prepare for the runway. Some girls take it as a moment to smile and act "natural," while others showcase their fiercest pouts. Almost as a metaphor for the show, the behind−the−scenes, seemingly natural shoot is manifested in a simulated act.
Though the show veers often toward the superficial, deeper and bigger issues are addressed. From depictions of body image to drug addictions, "ANTM" has worked to educate its viewers. Rather than call the contestant Kasia "plus−size" or "full−figure," Tyra confidently refers to Kasia as "real−size."
"ANTM" may fail to deliver America's next top model, but ultimately it achieves much more. Within its drama−ridden roots, even when superficiality reigns supreme, real issues are tackled and serious topics addressed.
