Age of Love: Episodes 5 & 6

Yes, it’s been two weeks since I last posted about the NBC’s Age of Love. In episode 5, weepy Mary was sent home in a poignant elimination meeting in which Maria once more threatened to leave on her own. Episode 6 brought the dispatch of Jayanna, who had emerged as perhaps the second-least appealing woman on the show after Kelli.

Some of the boards I’ve read predict Amanda—long, flowing hair and a spot on a professional sports team’s dance squad—will win. After all, she clearly has fallen for Mark, and there is some apparent reciprocity. But I believe she has come on too strong, and her rapid, obvious descent into affection will be her undoing. Too, too soon conveys on the part of the smitten inferiority and a desperation that turns off its object. Mark will forsake her and instead end the show with Megan. She is playful, flirtatious without being obsequious, and every bit Amanda’s equal when it comes to looks. Jennifer, an interest to him, will prove too old, and the crusty, fickle Maria just won’t cut it. One caveat: Maria’s elusiveness may work at the other end of the spectrum of the principle that will doom Amanda: By being fickle about Mark, she increases her perceived value to him.

All in all, I’m enjoying the show, and look forward to getting back on routine with Monday night’s episode.