The Sexy Beast
What does it take to be a sexy beast? Episode 4 puts the cast through a series of cosmetic refinements to prime them for season in Cape Town, because ultimately, “Sex appeal is heavily dependant on physical attributes.”
The characters begin their body beautiful quest at the Glass House, in De Waterkant. Maurice and Kaizer wait in reception, amused by the sharp yelps of pain as Trevor receives his first crack wax. Kaizer strolls in and strolls straight out, his smooth physique doesn’t necessitate waxing. Maurice on the other hand is submitted to a comprehensive and harrowing, back and crack wax.
Next stop is the dentist to polish the teeth behind that gleaming smile, Trevor is mesmerized by the results. No time to waste, the cast head to Bronze Tanning Studio in Gardens. Kaizer introduces Trevor and Maurice to the receptionist, whom he knows, informing her, “they have an appointment to look like me.” The characters agree unanimously that sex appeal and physical appearance are explicably linked, and nothing promotes virility like a good tan. After a single coat, Maurice reckons all he needs now is to get onto the same gym program as Kaizer. Sexy is all about first contact.
The sun’s out and so are Cape Town’s beautiful people as the cast head to Camps Bay for the pick-up. An excited Maurice declares, “We are going to Caprice, hymen hunting.” Trevor can’t believe Maurice is completely useless when it comes to women, although with statements like that, he’s not entirely surprised. Through a dismal game of boule on the beach, Kaizer and Maurice manage to entice two girls to join them. Maurice seems a little envious of Kaizer’s physicality, and hastily projects his insecurities onto Trevor’s physique. No Brad Pitt or George Clooney, Maurice isn’t unplayable, just an acquired taste.
Moving from the beach to Caprice, the cast find themselves hosting a table full of girls. Trevor reprimands Maurice for tinkering on his cell phone, while some beautiful eyes sitting opposite him draw in Kaizer. The night shifts up a gear as the characters hit Karma, Maurice tries to have Trevor operate as his wingman while he instigates some flirting, this backfires somewhat, leaving Maurice dancing with Trevor. A luckless track record at clubs has tainted Maurice’s optimism, Kaizer thinks Maurice is just too passive in his approach, he needs to “step it up!”
Trevor manages two dates with Asa in this episode, the first being at the False Bay Gun Club, injecting a bit of machismo into their date, juxtaposed with a following date at Charly’s Bakery. Trevor is growing impatient at their relationship’s leisurely pace, while Asa is beginning to find their interaction awkward.
Kaiser takes Hanelie to Fiesta for a night of dinner and salsa dancing, the environment and its Latin rhythm is laced with sex appeal. Hanelie sings the praises of South African men compared to their European counter parts. She feels European men are insecure and South African men are more driven and ambitious. The couple salsa their night away to vibrant Latin music.
Mandy accompanies Maurice to Cape to Cuba for dinner, assured and candid, Mandy paints Maurice a very clear picture of what she looks for in a man, that quality is irrespective of wealth or status, it’s a sense of self and being happy with who they are. She likes bad boys, “because they’re a challenge, they’re interesting… women want to fix things, make things better, we want to take care of things and a bad boys gives us those opportunities.” Mandy picks up the dessert tab, at Mavericks, a ‘gentlemen’s club’. Maurice is like a kid in a candy store, glee all over his face. Curious to know if Mandy can perform some of the moves the pole dancers execute, he also confesses to sleeping with a Mavericks girl. The couple share a lap dance, and despite Maurice’s optimism, Mandy’s not interested in women. Mandy and Maurice are joined by two dancers and what becomes apparent from their discourse is the sense of liberation men feel they are allowed when frequenting a gentlemen’s club, a liberation that perhaps needs to be introduced into their relationships outside the club.
As the episode wraps up, the characters welcome the fourth member of the cast, Henri, who has just returned from a modeling contract in Greece. Henri has barely sat down before Maurice launches into a rendition of the back, and crack wax he experienced earlier. Welcome to MAN Henri.
