Network amps up dating realities

By: CHARLES GRIFFIN

Posted: 9/21/07

MTV has "Dismissed" all of the old game show conventions and "Singled Out" a new concept to bring in the "Next" big dating series: "The Gamekillers."

"In the dating world, there are evil, young men who are constantly in pursuit of women," said executive producer Justin Wilkes. "Our show is basically built around the archetype of these 'gamekillers.'"

A result of the partnership between AXE and MTV, "The Gamekillers" sends male contestants on a big date.

The contestants, however, are completely unaware that the girl, along with everyone else involved, is an actor whose purpose is to ruin the romance and throw them off their "game."

The cast contains specific stereotypes that could probably be found lurking around downtown on any given day.

"The Early Man," "The One Upper," "The Baller," "The Drama Queen" and "British Accent Guy" are just a few of the 14 characters who may interfere with the date at any time.

"When I met the contestant Kyle, I would ask him questions and whatever his response was, I would try to one-up that," said Tom Walker (The One Upper).

"He told me he has three brothers and I immediately told him I have five."

Each episode has done well in that all contestants were oblivious to the set up and premise behind the show.

"The girls they go out with are super cute, so the contestants are totally into the date," said Bridget Maloney (The Drama Queen).

"MTV did a fabulous job of making it really organic and hidden very well, so we've had tremendous success with every contestant."

If the guy can stand the pressure and keep the girl interested until the end of the date, he is awarded the AXE Gamekillers Chalice.

"It's an ancient cup that's been passed down from generation to generation," Wilkes said.

"It's just not an original idea," said Emily Mettler, a junior from Marietta.

"The dating shows on MTV are getting more and more scripted, so there's really nothing in it."

"The Gamekillers'" season premiere will air tonight at 7.