We’ve reached the end of the “House of Villains” second season, or what E! is billing as a search for “America’s Ultimate Supervillain.” It’s a title that, frankly, feels a bit premature given the, shall we say, flexible interpretations of villainy on display this season. Thursday’s episode, “Sad Excuse for a Villain,” brings the grand pronouncements, the inevitable backstabbing, and the crowning of one contestant as the reigning champ of dubious behavior.
The synopsis hints at some last-minute power plays from Wes and Jessie, a pair whose villainous credentials have, until now, remained somewhat…underwhelming. Will they suddenly morph into Machiavellian masterminds? I’m skeptical, but hey, stranger things have happened in reality TV’s murky depths. For a program that has been marketed on treachery and backstabbing, House of Villains has been surprisingly tame. Wes and Jessie’s machinations might actually bring an element of surprise to the mix, though my guess is that they are too little too late.
The central question, of course, is who will snag the coveted title and the accompanying cash prize? The remaining contestants face the daunting task of voting for who among them is the most deserving (or least undeserving?) of the “supervillain” label. It’s a decision likely fueled by a potent cocktail of resentment, strategic maneuvering, and maybe a sliver of genuine respect. If I know anything about these types of reality shows it’s that when they come down to these final votes the decision-making process comes down to one thing. Self-preservation.
In the grand scheme of reality television, House of Villains is unlikely to leave a lasting legacy. But who knows, maybe Season 3 will really raise the stakes.
“House of Villains” airs Thursdays at 9 PM on E!.
