The setting isn’t particularly luxurious (it’s made very plain that the guys are living on a sound stage) and it’s not really clear what the format of the show will be. Will there be challenges of some kind? Is this just a candid reality show or a competition? So far, we don’t know. What we have been shown is that a therapist, who specializes in dealing with celebrities grappling with the complexities of fame, will meet with the men for regular group sessions. This promises to make for
some good TV, as some of the guys are way more defensive than others about their reasons for being there, and all of the guys seem to be more than a little concerned about how they come across, because they all clearly want this show to lead to other things.
some good TV, as some of the guys are way more defensive than others about their reasons for being there, and all of the guys seem to be more than a little concerned about how they come across, because they all clearly want this show to lead to other things. Here are the players:
Adrian Zmed: The star of stage and screen, known for things like Grease 2 (he also starred in the original on Broadway), TJ Hooker, and Dance Fever. He’s worked on and off in the last decade, but currently makes his living performing a one man show on cruise ships. Zmed may not be the best actor on earth, but he’s one of those triple threats, in that he can also sing and dance. In his 50s now, his prospects may be limited, but he at least possesses some legitimate chops and hasn’t ever truly left the biz.
Christopher Atkins: He peaked with Blue Lagoon, and his addictions caused him to lose out on Footloose, but he’s aging gracefully. Out of the business entirely, he now builds pools, which he finds ironic. He seems very grounded and normal, but he apparently misses being famous quite a bit. Oh, and he used to get mistaken for Mark Hamill a lot. Billy Hufsey: A star of the syndicated version of Fame plus a three year
stint as part of a Days of Our Lives supercouple in the late 80s, Hufsey also left showbiz and has done a stint in Corporate America. He was a triple threat, too, back in the day, but looks like he’s bulked up the most and probably won’t be busting out a tap routine any time soon.
stint as part of a Days of Our Lives supercouple in the late 80s, Hufsey also left showbiz and has done a stint in Corporate America. He was a triple threat, too, back in the day, but looks like he’s bulked up the most and probably won’t be busting out a tap routine any time soon. 
Eric Nies: I don’t get this one, at least not as he compares to the other cast members, all of whom have acting backgrounds. All Eric Nies has done is star in reality shows and host The Grind. And now he’s some sort of life coach. What, does he tell people how to succeed on Real World/Road Rules challenges? I liked the preview where some chick takes him down a peg on his stupid hair. And, for goodness sakes, get some damn shoes!Jamie Walters: I was happy to hear him acknowledge that people completely held it against him that his Ray Pruitt character pushed 
Donna down the stairs on 90210. It illustrates how moronic people can be and that some people are not bright enough to separate real from fake. It also caused me to recall that I never bought it, mostly because it was not well acted. That being said, Jamie seems cool, and he’s now a paramedic, and married with kids. He seems more interested in returning to music than acting, which is the right call.
Donna down the stairs on 90210. It illustrates how moronic people can be and that some people are not bright enough to separate real from fake. It also caused me to recall that I never bought it, mostly because it was not well acted. That being said, Jamie seems cool, and he’s now a paramedic, and married with kids. He seems more interested in returning to music than acting, which is the right call.David Chokachi: This is a total “Hey, it’s that Guy!” from Baywatch. He’s very handsome, but totally bitter about the fact that casting directors dismiss Baywatch actors without seeing them on general principle. On the one hand, that’s certainly not fair. On the other hand, it was Baywatch. You had a steady gig and you got laid constantly for a few years…perhaps you should have looked into a nice mutual fund or invested in a restaurant back when you had a chance.
Jeremy Jackson: This guy played Hobie, Hasselhoff’s son on the show. He was doing all kinds of things he wasn’t supposed to from a young age, and has paid the price. After a history of drug abuse, he was 
arrested and nearly jailed for making and selling meth. He has the most obvious redemption arc on the show, but he’s an actor of such minor import, it’ll be a tough sell for some viewers. On the other hand, it’s going to be somewhat compelling to see how a 27 year old has aged to the point of looking 50.
arrested and nearly jailed for making and selling meth. He has the most obvious redemption arc on the show, but he’s an actor of such minor import, it’ll be a tough sell for some viewers. On the other hand, it’s going to be somewhat compelling to see how a 27 year old has aged to the point of looking 50. The first hour of the show culminated in the housemates receiving a “call sheet” that told them to dress for a party, and wait for the limo to pick them up. They walked a red carpet and were ushered backstage…somewhere. Each was announced to varying degrees of applause and girlish shrieking. At last, the curtain went up to reveal an empty auditorium, where only producers Jason and Scott stood. It had all been fake. Most of the guys were mildly embarrassed, and admitted they’d been duped, but Chokachi was PISSED! He packed his bags, yo. And then, it took the sage words of Jason Hervey–yes, the kid who once stole Pee Wee Herman’s bike in a movie–to put him in his place and remind him that it’s all a “process”. I guess that’s better than a “journey”, right?
When all is said and done, I think the show poses some intriguing questions and sets up some interesting dynamics. I’m definitely interested to see what is thrown at these guys and what actual “opportunities” are afforded them to get back in the game. I’m counting on this not being a show hell-bent on humiliating its participants, but rather one that gives us a sober and honest look at the highs and lows of fame as well as the reasons these seven men want back in so badly.
