TNT’s new reality competition series, The Hero, debuts tonight at 8pm, and bears the distinction of being executive produced and hosted by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has assembled nine contestants from a variety of backgrounds to compete toward up to $1 million in prize money. The rules are overly complicated, but what it essentially boils down to is that the winner of each week’s challenge is given a choice: they can keep that week’s winnings for themselves, or they can contribute to the team pot, which will be awarded to the grand prize winner at the end of the show.
But wait, there’s more: in an effort to test each contestant’s moral fabric, The Rock may meet with them privately to offer them an opportunity to take a smaller cash payout. If they accept, no one will know except The Rock and the viewers, but their decisions may force the other contestants into more dire circumstances. These decisions are designed to test the moral fabric of each contestant, as the viewing audience is tasked with deciding which competitor is truly worthy of the “hero” moniker.
If you’ve ever seen a reality show, the cast will feel instantly familiar, right down to the one-on-one interviews where they reveal their true nature, far away from the eyes and ears of their fellow housemates. If the first episode is any indication, there will be plenty of deception and backstabbing in this show’s future, which just adds to the drama and makes the experience more exciting.
The idea of tempting each competitor with secret offers in an effort to reveal their true character is interesting. The show ultimately succeeds due to its host – The Rock is as charismatic as ever, and that goes a long way. The Hero certainly isn’t the best reality show we’ve ever seen, but it’s entertaining and fun, and probably worth a look.
★★★☆☆