Breaking Down Fielder’s “Deceptive” Tactics on Season 2 of The Rehearsal
The second season of The Rehearsal expands upon the initial premise to explore the world of aviation safety, a shockingly topical backdrop for a television show right now… an antecedent decision that became pertinent in a way the producers couldn’t have possibly anticipated. Throughout these six episodes, Fielder sets out to prove his hypothesis that the vast majority of aviation safety conflicts would be resolved if there were better interpersonal communication between co-pilots in the cockpit. One of the ways in which Fielder tests his theory is to build up the confidence of co-pilots in uncomfortable situations by having a group of real co-pilots volunteer to become judges in a fake singing competition entitled Wings of Voice.
Lana Love was one of those contestants. In her exclusive interview with Variety, she claimed to have turned down $10,000 she could have earned teaching voice lessons in order to, instead, fly to Los Angeles on her own dime to participate in what she thought could be a launching pad, a runway, if you will, for her career. Of course, Wings of Voice turned out to be merely a B plot in Fielder’s grand plan, and Love’s appearance on the show was not much more than a brief punchline to an ongoing comedy bit.
This is not to say that Lana Love has no right to be upset. It’s not fun being duped, but her complaints seem to be more linked to her own choices than to Fielder’s deception. She opted to turn down work to fly to an audition, and any person in show business knows that an audition, a callback, and even an offer are never guarantees for a stepping stone. Furthermore, Love’s self-described label of “lab rat” is a more apt description for the real-life co-pilots who volunteered to be on the show than anyone else. After all, she’s barely on-screen in the show!
One of those first officers, Colin, wound up becoming the focus of an entire episode after he opened up about his dating struggles. Watching Colin go on dates with an actress Fielder hired named Emma is, in my opinion, far more morally questionable than Wings of Voice. Still, Colin agreed to this, even going so far as to stage a rehearsed scene that culminated in an on-screen kiss to help boost his confidence on a real-life date.
As always, Fielder’s process is in service of a larger purpose than depicting Colin’s strange behavior. Unlike most reality shows, Fielder is providing greater social commentary—in this case, regarding the awkwardness and performative nature of dating in general. This isn’t like the housewives being turned against one another for the sadistic amusement of viewers at home. This isn’t like the numerous allegations against Love is Blind for deliberately putting contestants in unsafe situations. The goal isn’t mockery or sensationalism. Through his disarming yet deceptive nature, Nathan Fielder managed to get Colin to reveal himself. Embarrassing as it may be, it was truthful and consensual.
At the end of the day, Nathan Fielder has been doing this for a long time. While you may not agree with his methods, they are well-documented and discoverable. It’s on Fielder’s subjects to do their research before agreeing to work with him. The fake contestants on Wings of Voice may have been deceived, but Nathan Fielder should not bear the full responsibility for Lana Love’s grievances. There was always agency here, as there was for the real-life pilots who elected to volunteer to be on Fielder’s program. As far as the cringeworthy revelations are concerned, that’s the funny thing about unscripted scenes. You are responsible for what you say and do on camera! If what you said makes you hide behind your fingers in front of the TV, don’t worry. That’s practically what everyone who watches Nathan Fielder’s work does.
via @wsndonuts
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