Engaged and Underage

Engaged and Underage is an MTV reality show that focuses on couples ranging from 18-22 years old who have gotten engaged and have a few weeks until their wedding. Most of the couples are fresh out of high school or currently going to college, but the couples usually have one thing in common: an adversary to the wedding usually exists.

In the context of the show, the term underage could mean a number of things, but it does not mean under the age of 18. Some feel the term underage means not told enough to drink because the age ranges MTV centers on are 18 to 21. In the second season MTV featured couples up to 22 years old, but otherwise most people understand that "underage" just means too young to get married.

There's more than just being underage that causes issues for the main couples of each episode. One couple experienced racial discrimination from each other's families and another couple had to contend with the bride being pregnant. In episode 18, Ben and Michelle were having issues with Michelle's overbearing father and Ben's controlling mother. Also, Ben worked at a fast food joint, making a little above minimum wage. Ultimately, Michelle's father came around a bit and encouraged Ben to work some of the family issues out so they could start their marriage without tension.

Same-sex marriage is tackled with Cassie and Emmelie. The fact that they are lesbians wasn't the issue in this episode - rather, their short-term relationship (they dated for six weeks) and the fact that they met on MySpace were at issue. Emmelie's father still wasn't sure about the alternative lifestyle, but in the end the families agreed to let the two live their life as a married couple and let them be adults.

Another episode involved a long-distance relationship. Krystle was actually bisexual, but was engaged to an Air Force guy who was in South Carolina waiting to be deployed to Irag. Krystle admitted to her mom that she had affairs with each of the members in her bridal party and one groomsmen. She admitted that she was going to find it hard to change her lifestyle. After telling Kiel everything, he was still okay with being with her. The wedding went forward and Krystle realized that she made the right decision in marrying Kiel.

Those are some examples of the conflicts that occur on Engaged and Underage. The more common issues tend to include family crisis, age discrimination, and controlling parents. Other themes that have been a focal point were pregnancy, racial discrimination, and infidelity.

If you've become addicted to the couples on Engaged and Underage and every wondered how they are doing, then check out the Engaged and Underage Blog. You can find updates for many of the couples that were on the show and see what they are up to. Some of the updates:

• Amanda and Chad (Season 3, Episode 20) are going to have a baby.
• Angel and Christian (Season 2, Episode 10) had another addition to the family. They currently have a two-year-old named Tristan and will name the new baby Tanner.
• You can view Josh and Nikki's (Season Two, Episode 19) wedding photo album online.

• Official Engaged and Underage MTV Website. Read episode summaries, watch full episodes and view photos from the show.
• Casting Call. If you are getting married, then see what you need to do for MTV's casting call for this show.
• Official IMDB page. You can also view clips from the show as well as become involved in the message board.
• Yahoo group for fans of the show.

Whether you feel that the ages of the couples on the show are too young or not, MTV has created a show filled with drama and conflict, which is a good base for any show. Add in colorful characters and a cast of supporting families and you have something just made for reality TV addiction.

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