Last summer when the original "Joe Schmo Show" premiered, I expressed concern about this new reality TV genre that seemed designed to humiliate its unwitting star, Mt. Lebanon native Matt Kennedy Gould. It turned out my concern was unfounded. Gould proved such a likable guy that his generous spirit overpowered the show's cruel trick gimmickry, and "Joe Schmo" turned out to be one of the more entertaining, uplifting reality shows of 2003.

	"Joe Schmo 2" When: 10 p.m. Tuesday on Spike TV Starring: Ralph Garman

"Joe Schmo 2," premiering at 10 p.m. Tuesday on Spike TV, jumps off from the same premise but adds a Jane Schmo to the mix. This time producers send up relationship reality shows, like "The Bachelor," and they do it in grand style.

Tim Walsh and Ingrid Wiese have no idea they're the only contestants on "Joe Schmo 2" who are not actors. Everyone else is playing a part, working from a script designed to make these two believe they're starring in a relationship reality show called "Last Chance for Love."

The only returning player from the first "Joe Schmo" is host Ralph Garman, who this time takes on the role of the pompous British host Derek Newcastle. (Actually, Gould has a cameo later in the season as a pizza delivery guy, a nod to his time delivering pizza for Bado's in Mt. Lebanon.)

The faux contestants conform to all sorts of reality show stereotypes including gotta-be-gay-guy Gerald (Jonathan Torrens), stalker Bryce (Kevin Kirkpatrick), playa T.J. (Jonathan Huertas), weepy Eleanor (Jessica Makinson) and moronic Cammy (Jana Speaker). They, along with Tim and Ingrid, are competing for the affection of bachelor Austin (Tim Herzog) and bachelorette Piper (Valerie Azlynn).

Tuesday's premiere introduces these stereotypes and mocks other conventions of the genre. Every commercial break includes a tease for "the most shocking eviction ceremony yet" and in the first one, Austin eliminates only minority contestants, a poke at the lilly whiteness of most relationship shows.

"I'll be your captain aboard a ship that is fueled by romance," host Newcastle says in as over-the-top manner as possible, "sailing in search of life's most precious booty -- love."

When it's time for a "Falcon Twist," a bird swoops in to deliver Newcastle the news, surprising the contestants and pushing what's already too goofy to be believed to new heights. The show reaches its most unbelievable zenith at the eviction ceremony when Austin must reward the women who he wants to stay with his "ultimate symbol of love, a pearl necklace." Tim clearly bites his lip hard to stifle his guffaws.

I'll admit to still having some concerns about the effect "Joe Schmo 2" will have on its unwitting stars. This time it's not just playing with their heads in a straight-on reality show, but a relationship reality show. What happens if either Tim or Ingrid actually fall in love with an actor? Won't the ultimate revelation be cruel in addition to potentially humiliating?

These are legitimate concerns, but even as I express them I'm reminded of far more insidious reality shows that have premiered since the first "Joe Schmo," namely Fox's "The Swan" and "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance" and The WB's "Superstar USA." Compared to the mean streak of those shows, "Joe Schmo 2" is a fun and funny lark.

TV editor Rob Owen can be reached at rowen@post-gazette.com or 412-263-2582. Submit your TV questions here.