You know what they say: Revenge is best served rail-thin with an even tan and designer booties. Such is the concept behind Khloé Kardashian’s forthcoming reality television series for E!, Revenge Body, which will provide makeovers to candidates looking to rub their exes’ noses in their fabulous lives after the breakup.
“Looking great is always the best revenge,” said Kardashian in a release. “It’s so exciting to be able to mentor these people through their full-body makeovers and I can’t wait to see the incredible results at their final reveals!” Kardashian is a well-qualified mentor: The author of Strong Looks Better Naked (“THE ONLY OFFICIAL KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN BOOK”), Kardashian was the target of cruel body-shaming in the early years of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, when haters dubbed her “the fat sister.” Since then, and since her painful split from Lamar Odom, she has lost 35 pounds and become something of a fitness mogul and strength-training exemplar; the concept of a “revenge body” may be one she lives day to day.
The network has yet to set a premiere date for Revenge Body. From Deadline:
“Whether [someone’s] been dumped, lost their job, or are facing some of life’s toughest challenges, Khloé will help motivate them to seek the ultimate revenge by receiving a true and total makeover,” according to E!. In each episode, two heartbroken individuals will get the opportunity to recreate themselves with the help of a team of Hollywood’s most elite trainers, stylists and glam squads assembled by Kardashian, resulting in a major transformation.
This news raises some important questions. Who are these people, and why do they want revenge? How will the success of the makeovers be measured? Will the made-over contestant parade himself in front of his ex to see if she finds him more attractive now, and wants to get back together? Will the ex be impressed and suitably humbled when she sees that her old flame’s wonderful new post-relationship life revolves around a Kardashian reality show? Does the desire for revenge cancel out the efficacy of the revenge itself, since it implies that the revenge-seeker is hurt and still preoccupied with her ex, and thus not “over” the breakup at all? Wouldn’t they be better off listening to some Carrie Underwood and Dresden Dolls in a warm bath and reflecting on how they’re going to find a better romantic partner once they’re ready? If someone’s going to go through the trouble of an entire makeover for the pleasure of someone else, shouldn’t it be the much-improved boyfriend 2.0, not the jerk who broke her heart?
E! has commissioned six episodes of the series.
