The Extreme Truth

by Mick

What sexual thoughts might couples be keeping from one another? And what about those deep, subconscious erotic desires that we all have, but aren't fully aware of? Such questions are the premise for Playboy's Extreme Truth, a new series that has volunteer couples interviewed while hypnotized. To be sure, it's an intriguing idea, one with loads of potential to be highly watchable. But is it?

Lauren Hayes is the series' host, whose flawless beauty is striking next to the "real-life" subjects she introduces. She explains the procedure, which combines expert hypnotism with high-tech EEG gadgetry. While "under," each partner is interviewed and, afterwards, Lauren brings them together to "face the truth." Given the format, we're led to believe this is high-powered couples therapy. And, as for us viewers, well, we're supposed to be titillated by the sex talk, and turned on by the hot sex as lookalike actors play out some of the fantasies.

Sound good? Did to me, too. But after seeing this five-segment DVD (which I'm assuming is a "best of" compilation), I regret to report that it's not all that entertaining. Be aware that the show has a "hokey," slightly uncomfortable quality about it not unlike standard late-afternoon TV talk shows. Hayes may be pretty, but she's no counselor. And damn if she doesn't remain fully clothed at all times. And what's up with the hypnotist? The dude's face remains shrouded by poor lighting as if he's some sort of mysterious figure, and his questions are not all that "probing." In my book, he was dull and repetitive, and failed to elicit anything that couldn't be discovered by a curious friend over a brewsky or two at the local pub.

As far as the sex that's depicted, I'll admit that some of the scenes were not bad, and were surprisingly explicit with several lingering close-ups and the occasional glimpse of an erection. If not for the soft focus and absence of actual sounds-effects no doubt used to achieve a dream-like look-they might have actually been hot. Lacking that heat, we're left with the therapy, which simply isn't very stimulating. Call me selfish, but I expect more from my late-night erotica that being asked to wonder whether Bruno will change his ways and give Angel the kind of foreplay she desires.

Hypnotism to help reveal the hidden wonders of human sexuality is a great idea, but not as Extreme Truth uses it. I'd suggest that Playboy take a hint from any free-wheeling nightclub hypnotist and keep things light and funny to get the subjects (and the audience) into it, and then crank up the heat with some interesting scenarios and truly provocative questions. Ditch the therapy angle, and focus on stoking the sexual fires of participants who are willing to go the distance. Better yet, get Hayes or some of our other favorite B-movie actresses in the chair, and see what happens when they get really worked up. Now THAT would be reality TV worth watching.