God bless our frozen neighbors to the north. They try so hard to copy our awesome cultural institutions but there's always something a little too Canadian about the result. Case in point: CFL Football (no sports fan should have to say "the Alouttes scored a rouge"), Molson Beer, Mounties and "DeGrassi High."
Now those kooky Canucks are at it again, with their own maple syrup-soaked version of "Jersey Shore" set in Toronto. Called "Lake Shore," it focuses on the exploits of eight spray-tanned, gym-loving, twenty-somethings, who spend their nights haunting Toronto's clubs. Sound familiar? What the show lacks in originality, it completely makes up for in casting. These people look totally bonkers in the same lovable way as our own homegrown heroes. But how do they match up with the JWOWW's and Pauly D's of the world? We found out.
The Party Girl
"Jersey Shore": JWOWW
"Lake Shore": Karolina
We all know the party girl--that special lady who knows every line to "Born to Run," can start a dance party at the DMV and would do well to slow down a tad with the Appletinis. JWOWW is totally that girl. She's perfectly at home downing Grey Goose or brawling with women who disrespect her on the dance floor. Karolina goes the same route, double-fisting cocktails and kissing her castmates when they least expect it.
The Metrosexual
"Jersey Shore": DJ Pauly D
"Lake Shore": Tommy Hollywood
OK, yeah, all of these dudes are pretty metro, but in every crowd there's the guy who is METRO--you know, the one the other guys go to for waxing advice. On "Jersey Shore," DJ Pauly D is that guy. Somewhere, a hair gel exec's kids are going to college thanks to him. Up on the other side of Lake Ontario, Tommy Hollywood primps with the best of them, proudly showing off his perfectly maintained wardrobe and collection of dude-jewelry.
The Ditz
"Jersey Shore": Snooki
"Lake Shore": Annie Mai
There's a reason why we love Snooki, and it has nothing to do with her accent (OK, it might have a little to do with her accent). Unencumbered by trickery, guile or basic self-awareness, she just sort of rocks her way through life. She's the prototypical ditz: the person who, no matter how goofy she acts, you can't help but love. North of the border, Annie Mai is the same, giggling her way through Toronto's club scene and being "animated."
The Outspoken One
"Jersey Shore": Angelina
"Lake Shore": Robyn
Every reality show has that outspoken character: the one who mixes it up with her castmates and leaves a trail of scorched earth in her confessional interviews. On "Jersey Shore," Angelina is that girl. Her exit from the house in Season 2--in an OK Corral-style blaze of truth-telling and insults--was totally epic. Robyn, for her part, had already started picking fights before they started SHOOTING her show. One can only imagine what she'll be like when she has to share a house with people.
The Meathead
"Jersey Shore": The Situation
"Lake Shore": Joey
Don't get us wrong here, but the Situation is not exactly beloved for his book smarts. He might be a big, Red Bull-fueled dynamo on "Jersey Shore," but beyond GTL, his contributions to American letters will be few and far between. But that's OK! Guys like him and "Lake Shore's" Joey--a construction worker cum club rat--don't need the brains when they've got the biceps.
The Sweetheart
"Jersey Shore": Sammi
"Lake Shore": Sibel
"Sweetheart" is a relative term on the "Jersey Shore." Sammi might have captured the hearts of her castmates, but we still wouldn't cut her in the bathroom line. "Lake Shore's" Sibel, for her part, keeps a sugary persona right up until the moment when Robyn steps to her. Then, watch out--Canada's famously low violent crime rates might take a beating this year.
Despite their diversity, "Lake Shore" doesn't seem to have a kindhearted sensitive boy, or a "Vinny," if you will. And no one's dance moves or creeping abilities match Ronnie's, though Tommy Hollywood looks like he might come close. What do you think about the cast of "Lake Shore"?
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