This show is meant for a niche audience, specifically, people who have already enjoyed watching Rob and Amber on Survivor, Amazing Race, and perhaps, managed to catch their wedding--the last of which is more difficult to locate than the other shows. Simply put, people who are already fans of them, and want to see how their life and marriage progresses as they transition from newlyweds to a somewhat more established couple wanting to undertake a new venture in Rob's career and both of their lifestyles. It helps that Rob is one of the producers of the show, which means that he has a larger say in what gets aired on TV than a typical reality star contestant.
The first episode is clearly staged, but the purpose is to set up the story. Since fans weren't privy to the initial conversations behind the move to Las Vegas and Rob's hope to make it big time in poker, we see a scripted version. Was that the only way, or even the best way, to start this series? Certainly not for the best, and probably not for the second, but that's how it came to be. After the first episode, though, the stories seem reasonably organic for a reality TV series. It's fun to see Rob and Amber maneuver their way around Las Vegas, and show potential tourists sites that aren't exclusively related to gambling or the stage.
It's worth noting that one reason they are still together--they will celebrate 15 years of marriage in April--is that they listen to each other and know how to sacrifice and compromise. We see that, even after two and a half years of marriage, they are clearly in sync to each other's needs, even if they can't deliver what the other person wants at the time. Rob, for example, ends up missing Amber's reunion to compete in a big poker game, but then spends all the money he wins treating her to a dress she had refused to purchase earlier (too expensive) and a night on the town. Amber recognizes when her husband needs a break from poker and, and arranges a weekend back home for him to rejuvenate. These scenes are fun to watch and clearly demonstrate that marriage is give and take, even in a reality TV show series.
Would I suggest this to someone who's never seen them on Survivor All Stars or has no interest in them as a couple? Probably not--for their sanity. However, for fans of the couple who want to see a peak inside this point in their life, you will definitely enjoy the series!
Take the negative reviews with a grain of salt--they're likely from people who rooted against them in Survivor and Amazing Race. Perhaps, even, from Lex, Kathy, Lynn, and Alex! ;)
