Mountainous Misadventure: “The Summit” Struggles to Reach New Heights
As I settle into my armchair, I find myself drawn to a peculiar network show that’s been flying under the radar. “The Summit” takes 16 strangers on a grueling journey up a majestic New Zealand mountain, with a tantalizing twist: a shared prize of $1 million, which dwindles with each contestant who quits or gets voted off. The catch? The remaining participants must navigate the treacherous terrain while also vying for the coveted cash.
CBS’s Gamble Falls Flat
Despite a prime time slot behind “Survivor,” “The Summit” has failed to garner impressive ratings. According to recent numbers, the show trails behind other Wednesday night staples, such as “Chicago Med” and “Jesse Watters Primetime.” With only 1.937 million viewers tuning in, it’s clear that “The Summit” needs a boost to stay competitive.
Visual Mastery Amidst Ratings Woes
One aspect where “The Summit” shines is its breathtaking cinematography. The show’s use of scenery and wilderness is nothing short of stunning, with drone shots and camera work that’s almost impossible to believe. However, the host, Manu Bennett, often comes across as the anti-Jeff Probst – somber, annoyed, and only happy when contestants are eliminated.
Repetition and Repetition
While I find the challenges and mountainous terrain captivating, I can understand why some viewers might find the show repetitive. The format doesn’t vary much from week to week, and the constant hiking can feel monotonous. The introduction of the snow line in recent episodes has piqued my interest, but it remains to be seen if this will be enough to shake things up.
The Mountain’s Keeper: A Misguided Concept
One element that falls flat is The Mountain’s Keeper, a mysterious figure meant to increase the difficulty of reaching the summit. In reality, it’s just a helicopter dropping a yellow duffel bag each episode, accompanied by an overabundance of dramatic shots. Simplifying this concept could help streamline the show.
A Reality TV Underdog
As someone who doesn’t typically indulge in reality TV, I’m surprised to find myself enjoying “The Summit.” If you’re among the dedicated viewers tuning in each week, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show. Catch up on old episodes on Paramount+ and let me know what you think – can “The Summit” climb its way back to the top?
Leave a Reply