The Age of Love pits a supposedly hunky tennis ace named Mark Philippoussis (try using the spell checker on that name…my computer almost died) against a slew of ladies. Initially, the gals were all older. They’re affectionately referred to as “Cougars”. Wow! How original!

Last week the ladies got a big surprise. They would be competing against a bunch of twenty-something “Kittens” for the Aussie-born pro’s affections. Mark who once dated both Anna Kournikova and Paris Hilton (but not at the same time) seemed a bit out of sorts when he learned of this twist. Of course, he recovered nicely and had a great deal of fun checking out the younger gals’ obvious assets.

I guess the series thinks it’s being cute by trying to show that age is (or isn’t) a factor when it comes to love. However, I wonder how fair the competition is when a) they choose a dude who’s never dated a woman in her thirties much less her forties before and b) the older ladies aren’t given any sort of heads-up to this nasty twist.

The series is worse than the average reality dating show and that’s a very difficult thing to be. I really must say that Age of Love is not fun to watch. In fact, it’s painful. Mark P. is not my idea of handsome hunkitude especially not after he opens his mouth to speak (and usually I do so love an Aussie accent). He just doesn’t seem all that bright.

Personally, I’d prefer the host, Mark Consuelos, but alas he’s Mr. Kelly Ripa.

I find myself feeling really bad for the forty-somethings because I don’t believe they stand a chance in hell. Mark P. has already mentioned that one of the gals is old enough to be his mum. He doesn’t seem to be totally into the idea of age not being a factor in the game of love, now does he?

I’m pissed that NBC would do this to these ladies. The series is just one cruel joke. I mean – the way the ‘kittens’ behaved, talking about the older ladies needing Depends and having ‘hot flashes’. That’s just nasty. They even planned a ‘date’ for the “Cougars” doing water aerobics with senior citizens. C’mon now. Someone should sue.

The only thing that would make this show better is if Ashton Kutcher, himself married to a sexy Cougar, Demi Moore, were the producer. At least, then, there might be some credibility…or he could come out and announce to the audience that they’ve been Punk’d. I’d accept that too.

In case you’re left wondering, I am not fond of this show. I feel that Age of Love is a horrible excuse for a social experiment. Skip Age of Love and go out with someone you love instead. This show makes me extremely happy that I am a married woman and will be well into my forties (and beyond).