Mikes Film Talk

UnREAL this week sees more than one guerrilla in the episode. Quite a lot happens; Quinn learns of Rachel’s betrayal last week,  Darius has a problem, Chet is hanging himself and one of the contestants is thrown under the bus for ratings. This cynical look at “reality” television dating reaches new depths of deceit and Quinn proves that nobody does it better.

Chet is allowed by the new wunderkind Coleman Wasserman (Michael Rady) to hang himself with his vision of Everlasting (EverBlasting).  Quinn expertly sets up Brandy to take a huge fall and relishes the grief and pain her actions have caused. 

Rachel gives Wasserman lessons on how the show works and the two are clearly attracted to one another.   Quinn emasculates Chet in front of Darius and his manager and he loses the little power he gained with the bachelor.

Quinn calls Gary (Christopher Cousins) , Chet’s buddy at the network, to gloat over her “Emmy” winning show thus far and she sends him the dailies of Brandy’s meltdown. Gary shows up on set and ignores Quinn and gives Wasserman all the credit. He also reveals that Rachel came to him earlier to have Chet and Quinn taken off the show.

Rachel panics when she realizes that Quinn knows of her actions and packs to leave. Coleman comes in and gets her to stay. The two kiss and seemingly start to have sex,  Rachel is called to go see Darius who has a problem.

Before that Gary explains to Quinn  about Rachel and then tells her that if she wants her show back to get control of her people.  He does not mention what he told Chet in the first episode.  (The network head  angrily told his buddy that if Quinn crossed him again, she would be out.)

The longer UnREAL goes on the less likable Quinn becomes. Constance Zimmer portrays her character as equal  parts wicked witch of the west and a gangsta Margaret Thatcher. A powerful woman who is not for turning. This is an individual  who destroys a contestant’s life and credibility  with viewers and shouts out “Booya!”

Rachel (Shiri Appleby) is scary good at manipulating the contestants (producing them) but she is uncomfortable with her power. Unlike her mentor Quinn, Rachel does not celebrate her victories loudly, instead she suffers a combination of guilt and pride.

Wasserman, an non-television discovery, is overawed by both women and Coleman tells Quinn quite honestly that he does not want her mad at him.  Chet too knows of the power that these two women wield but he actively fears Quinn while attempting to dominate her.

Rachel fears Quinn as well. She has betrayed a trust and  knows this will invite retribution.  Meanwhile the young black contestant who did not want to be there has suddenly gotten caught up in the hype.

UnREAL can be difficult to watch. Even with the knowledge that this is fiction does not take the edge off of the manipulation. Quinn, powerful with no emotional stake in the people on the show at all, is terrifying in her coldness.  She is also incredibly addictive to watch.

The series airs Mondays on Lifetime.