'Jersey' girls aim to grow up in 'Snooki & JWoww'

Photo by Brad Barket, 2012 Brad Barket

"Jersey Shore" stars Snooki and JWoww head into their own series tonight on MTV.

If "Two Broke Girls" was a reality show, it'd be something like "Snooki & JWoww."

Of course Snooki and JWoww are hardly broke, but that underdog and gal-pal mentality sets the foundation for their "Jersey Shore" spin-off (10 p.m. tonight, MTV) in which the two move into their own apartment. Snooki's engaged and pregnant, and JWoww (nee Jennifer "Jenni" Farley) is by her side, offering support and grown-up-like supervision.

The arrangement makes for a mildly funny and somewhat sweet half-hour as the two party girls make the transition to actual adulthood.

This is as close as two "Jersey Shore" women will ever get to a "coming-of-age" in front of the cameras. Snooki is endearing, though still a twit; JWoww isn't much smarter, but at least she understands the importance of paying bills on time and keeping a schedule.

Let's not pretend "Snooki & JSoww" is actual reality. It's series of set-up scenes and improvisation, bringing a scene from Point A to Point B in order to create a story. Regardless of the transparency of the series — and it's clear "Snooki & JWoww" is packaged for your amusement — the show is revealing about what today's twentysomething generation thinks about growing up.

First and foremost, it puts out there the notion that growing up means the end of fun (not true).

Responsibility should be avoided if possible (also not always true).

However, maturing and taking control of your life has its own rewards, and Snooki may grasp that now that her pregnancy is playing out on camera.

Since this is quasi-reality anyway, I have no doubt it will all work out well in the end.

Score: 3 stars (out of five)

Terry Morrow may be reached at 865-342-6445 or morrowt@knoxville.com.

© 2012, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!

© 2012 Knoxville.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.