By any reasonable algorithm that takes into account how I feel about art, entertainment and human behavior, I recognize that I ought to be repulsed by everything about the series. But I actually find its self-awareness relatively charming, with the exception of Angelina, who should never have been allowed to return, especially if she hurts Snooki's feelings or her pouf. The producers know how to please: we like the duck phone, the first season's unlikely totem? Snooki mourns the duck phone in the trailer. The antics don't feel scripted because the folks on the show simply behave that outrageously. And the iota that the integrity in being drunk, dumb, and really excited to work in a t-shirt shop outweighs the pretty, dumb polish of scripted shows like The Hills somehow matters.

But really, the editing's just completely excellent. I don't know if anyone has ever manufactured more drama and emotion out of a Jersey sunset than the folks behind Jersey Shore. No way The Situation would be a star without that backlighting.