Sheara Wilensky . com

For those of you who remember, the original Paradise Hotel aired on Fox in June 2003. What a fabulous show. A group of great-looking single men and women frolicking around a Caribbean hotel in bathing suits and cocktail dresses, with the ultimate goal of hooking up for a chance to win a large cash prize. I was completely hooked. I was addicted to that show like I was addicted to Melrose Place in the 90’s. I was sad to learn that Paradise Hotel was canceled after just one season.

The best part of the show was Dave Kerpen. He had a huge crush on the young dumb girl Charla. She didn’t want to hook up with him, but he used his brains to outwit everyone and made it to the final four. Check out Dave Kerpen’s blog. Apparently he is running for New York City Council in 2009. Hey, if he could outsmart the Paradise Hotel gang, he has my vote.

Another notable cast member was Toni Ferrari. Notable for me, because besides having a memorable personality on the show, I was very excited when I saw her that summer (while visiting Chicago) at a restaurant on Division (she didn’t see me!).

Now nearly 5 years later (desperate from the writer’s strike?), the reality television producers finally did something right. They created Paradise Hotel 2.

The show is not quite what it was 5 years ago. Maybe it’s because I’m older, maybe the cast is not as hot, or maybe because they replaced the catchy ‘Take Me Back to Paradise, I’m Gonna Pack My Bags and Leave Tonight’ theme song. But regardless, the formula is still the same and host Amanda Byram is still fabulous. Check it out Monday nights at 9 on UPN9.

I hope they bring back Dave as a surprise guest.