'Jersey Shore' Season 2 preview

Was there any chance that the cast of “Jersey Shore” wasn’t coming back for a second season? The surprise hit show that became a cultural phenomenon broke ratings records for MTV with its season finale. When you figure that an entire season can be made for the cost of a three-month supply of Kamchatka and a few months rent on a rundown beach house, “Jersey Shore 2” was inevitable.

After a bit of negotiating, it’s been confirmed that all eight characters from Season 1 will be returning (they leveraged their newfound fame into $10,000 per episode contracts) including last season’s early departure, Angelina (“I thought I saw a ghost!” remarks Pauly D in the trailer). Not that participation of the Season 1 cast was ever in doubt — what, was The Situation going to use “Jersey Shore” to jump start his directing career?

Season 2 will certainly be lacking in the “wow” factor that made the first season so popular (as in, “Wow, I can’t believe people like this actually exist”). Eventually the gimmick value that comes with characters’ stereotypes has to wear off. But if we learned anything from watching Snooki and The Situation hit the late-night circuit in the aftermath of Season 1, it’s that these guys know exactly what makes them famous, they’re not ashamed of it, and they’re not afraid to give us more. Aside from the movie to Miami Beach, the trailer for Season 2 promises us a few new hook-up triangles between cast members and a minimum of three girl fights that end in punches.

If you’re at all interested in Season 2, this is why. You know the characters will up the drama. This season is also sure to build on the misogyny and promotion of stereotypes that made it controversial in Season 1, but I doubt we see any Italian-American anti-defamation leagues protesting outside MTV headquarters this year. The show is here to stay.

With the new car scent worn off of this cast of guido stereotypes, Season 2 of Jersey Shore looks will fully embrace the meat-head, lowbrow television show that it is. The results should be thoroughly entertaining. You can choose to hate this show because Ronnie doesn’t have as compelling a character arc as Don Draper, but you’d have a lot more fun if you just pumped your fists in the air and embraced it.