Reality show MAFS technically brilliant but content is embarrassing

Luke and Lacey in Married at First Sight.

Symphonic music, snatches from operatic arias or maybe some romantic tunes from grade 4 pianist Richard Clayderman would be the perfect background to the reality tele show Married At First Sight NZ, TV3.

However, although the show is beautifully filmed and technically sharp, it's a shame the "reality'' element is diabolical and emotionally without premise or reason.

We are wooed with glorious landscapes during the weddings and the honeymoons with birds soaring in the sky, clouds scudding with the breeze, trees gently swaying it was all very scenic and inviting.

But reality hits in each episode. The reality of the five matched-up couples.

Even now after a few weeks I wonder why they did it, why they wanted to do it and if really it wasn't just a lark, something a bit juicy to enjoy to get away from the everyday humdrum perhaps.

To be honest there is a narcisisstic element to quite a few of these people. Of the others around two maybe three are actually on the show hoping for lurv and happiness afterwards ... well one can hope.

Actually forget it because after seven episodes it's plainly obvious that four of the five couples are plummeting into the "he said she said" scenarios and to date there has been cringeing drama from Lacey lashing the verbal whip at new husband and now very cooled-off Luke to the gay couple Aaron and Ben.

Ben is the proverbial "I'm too sexy for my shirt", superficial to the nth degree, has a range of sullen expressions leaving the kind, compassionate Aaron dangling and wilting like the proverbial bullied victim.

Couple Brett and Angel appear to be a match made in heaven. Always smiling, laughing, holding hands but I still can't quite believe it could be real deal.

This so called social experiment is actually dire.

I'll wager these two pyschology academics who scientifically matched these couples and are counselling them are now fraught with misgivings. Talk about raking through emotional rubble, most of it steeped in self pity - the whole programme teeters on a sharp emotional edge.

But as I said the programme is top line technically. Shame about trying to manufacture real love in this so-called social experiment. Spectacular scenic shots saved the day they were all atmospheric and beautiful.

The matched-up couples? Bit flat and futile I'd say.