|
From its
innocent birth last August as an afternoon TV game show, The Weakest
Link has taken England by storm, thanks to the refreshing chill
of its often-caustic host, Anne Robinson. It has recently debuted in the
U.S., where NBC hopes it will meet with similar success. Still, a few
media analysts already fear that most American viewers—accustomed to the
milder game show mannerisms of Bob Barker, Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek—will
be less charmed by the punishing undertone of this unique British import.
During seven
rounds, eight people engage in answering trivia questions delivered with
rapid-fire intensity by a very no-nonsense looking Robinson, who constantly
shifts her podium position to take deadly aim at each nervous contestant.
Incorrect answers provoke the grim-faced Anne to make snide, even acerbic,
remarks based on her critical evaluations of each player’s performance.
No wonder nobody looks relaxed on this show.
The
Lady in Black
The program’s
main attraction, of course, is Robinson herself—a veteran TV and print
journalist who has masterfully created the persona of a stern and somewhat
mysterious inquisitor. Her severity is accentuated by her all-black attire
and her calmly delivered verbal barbs.
Robinson
dismisses the losers with her now-famous curt and contemptuous catchphrase,
"You ARE the weakest link. G’bye." And it is delivered in a
dismissive, deadpan manner that American viewers have never seen before
in a TV host. It’s hard to believe that this acid-tongued woman has her
Sun, symbolizing the self, in Libra, the sign of balance and all things
“nice.”
What
Her Chart Reveals
 An
examination of Robinson’s chart reveals that she is not everything that
she seems to be. Her Sun is definitely in the sociable, polite sign of
Libra, but it is conjunct dreamy Neptune, which gives her a need to act
out her active fantasy life. It also means her core nature (Sun) revolves
around ideals (Neptune) that are typically unattainable, and this can
be disillusioning. Robinson certainly seems to hold the show’s contestants
up to impossibly high standards.
Since Neptune
symbolizes substance abuse, it’s not too surprising to hear that Robinson
did have a serious drinking problem, one that she finally resolved twenty
years ago. Still, Neptunians often resort to using masquerade or camouflage
in order to hide their emotional pain or sense of powerlessness. Robinson
may turn out to be a real softie inside, a closet sentimentalist who has
found survival easier when wearing a hard, thick shell.
Security
and Control
That shell
can be symbolized by her Moon, representing emotions and nurturing, in
controlled Capricorn, suggesting that her formative years introduced her
to a few of life’s harsh realities. This Moon sign is associated with
an emotional self-control that can border on repression. Robinson’s Saturn,
planet of structure and restrictions, is in Cancer, the Moon’s natural
sign. Saturn is prone toward inhibition or strictness, which here reinforces
the theme of a restricted feeling nature.
Her Moon-Saturn
connection thus could be Robinson’s weakest link, since it could make
her feel that she can only rely on herself for absolute security. She
may respond by giving the rest of the world the cold-shoulder treatment.
If taken too far, she could become a cynic. It also means her emotional
energy feeds her ambitions. Security comes from an attainment of power
and worldly success. Interestingly enough, the show’s U.S. producers were
considering another Capricorn Moon personality who once showed TV viewers
a ruthless temperament to host the show. It was Survivor I’s
top-prize winner Richard
Hatch—but apparently he didn’t look as convincing dressed as
a dominatrix.
Focus
on Imperfection
Robinson’s
Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, is in fussy, analytical
Virgo, which makes her a born critic with a keen eye for what’s wrong
in the world. Its close contact to her Jupiter, planet of philosophy and
expansion, suggests that she puts great faith in her ability to soberly
and clearly assess reality. Her sharp and highly logical mind is intent
on seeing things plainly, as they are. She can easily spot flaws.
This Mercury
also makes a tense aspect to rebellious Uranus, meaning that she’s quick
to say exactly what she thinks, and fearlessly so. Above-average brainpower
is suggested, and also an ability to catch people off-guard with blunt,
unsettling remarks. She can observe others in an almost clinical manner,
since both Virgo and Uranus operate in emotionally detached ways.
Robinson
currently has transiting Jupiter forming excellent aspects to many of
her birth planets, indicating it is her time to expand and even become
more internationally known. Transiting Saturn is also in good shape for
her, which can add to her durability and the gaining of support from the
higher-ups at NBC. Although she is an acquired taste, perhaps American
viewers will warm up to her quirky style and help to make this show the
huge success it is overseas. Time will tell.
|
