October 1, 2003
By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
One viewer's impressions of the desires and deceptions this week on Fox's island of seduction.
If there's a lesson to be
learned from "Temptation Island 3," it's that tempting fate is never a
great idea.
And so it was that on their
final night in paradise, only one of the four couples remained intact.
Not surprisingly, the blond and bland Stepford pair
of Eric and Kristin went home together as blithely happy as when they
arrived.
The same can't be said for
Chicago's Anthony and Stephanie, who on Monday's finale had a tearful breakup
on national television.
Trying to sort out her feelings
for Anthony after viewing a tape of him enjoying tender moments with Ashley,
Stephanie said, "That was one of the
hardest things I've had to see. It took me back to when me and Anthony
first fell in love."
Though Ashley let the world
know she was falling in love with Anthony, the object of her affection
wasn't so sure.
"Ashley's a great girl,"
he said. "But then again, how can you compare three years to one week?
I kind of just want to see Steph."
When they reunited at the
bonfire two weeks after arriving on Temptation Island, they didn't hug
or look particularly happy to see each other. Wiping away tears, Stephanie
said, "The biggest turning point was ... thinking that you haven't touched
my hair like that in a long time. You looked so happy and peaceful. And
as sad as it made me, it made me happy to see you so happy. All I want
is for you to be happy and I don't know if I make you happy."
OK, that sounds like a selfless
thing to say, but I don't buy it. And neither did Anthony.
"I want you to be happy
with whoever you're with," he said. "I was hoping you'd see me and just
be happy. I love you so much. If it's me, tell me.
Remember, we're soul mates. Just be honest to yourself."
It wasn't him. The old "it's
not you, it's me" spiel was her out. And guess who she chose to be with
instead of Anthony? Not hottie Derrick. Not sweet Ian. Not even one of
the two Ryans. No, dear God, she chose smug and smarmy Jeff! Not only that,
but Stephanie actually packed her bags and moved to Los Angeles to live
with him.
All Anthony could do was
make plans to visit Ashley, then drag his broken heart back to Chicago.
I'm not sure if "Temptation
Island" can count as scientific research, but I found it interesting that
the women were the ones to initiate the breakups.
Melissa rightfully kicked Michael to the curb after seeing him nuzzle
up to one too many women during their vacation away from each other. Kara
did the same to Jason, but I'm guessing his temper worried her more than
the possibility of him straying. And to be fair, the two rekindled their
romance
once they got back home to Las Vegas.
The lesson I learned from
this show is that if you need to test the strength of your relationship
by dangling hot singles in front of your other half,
you probably should just break up. Fast.
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