The "Supernatural" Paris Hilton

She's had a career that could only happen in America. Socialite, actress, model, media flavor, and fashion designer, all these venues are trumped by one word: Hilton. Is she using her name for fame? Is she merely playing with the masses? Does it really matter? Stick her name in anything, and the publicity is sure to follow. She's a one-woman marketing campaign.

Her latest stint is as a guest-star on the popular television series "Supernatural". This series revolves around two devoted (and, if I may say so, very, very hot) brothers doing their best to battle the forces of evil while everything is stacked against them. The series has a very devout following, and rightfully so. It is almost ironic that in a series where many of the female characters are apparently either ill-written or ill-used, that Paris Hilton is thrown into the mix. While the series is proving itself as the "little engine that did", Paris seems to be the "little engine that wants to prove herself."

But don't expect this role to be a serious step for her. Sources at this time say she's merely playing a caricature of herself. Poking fun, as it were. This is wonderful for showing us that she has a sense of humor about herself, and her status in the public eye. But is it also a bit demeaning? Is it further proof that while she doesn't take herself seriously, she doesn't have any real ambition towards a goal? No self worth to defend? With so many people proclaiming her as a joke, is she truly seeing herself that way? Regardless of opinion, this seems a sad state of existence, perpetuated by the media and her career choices.

Of course being beautiful and rich, did she have a choice? She is the oldest of four children, born to Richard and Kathy Hilton. With the Hilton name firmly imprinted in her genes and a bit of a family legacy to follow, it would seem only natural for Paris to search for the spotlight. She moved from riches to riches, attending various school and engaging in the social activities one would expect. She also developed a rebellious streak, which resulted in her dismissal from the Canterbury Boarding School in Milford, CT. Like so much flotsam, she aimed to find her way.

At age 19, she signed on with T Management, a modeling agency founded by Donald Trump. By age twenty-one, she was the official "It" girl that so many teen melodramas are based on today. She's had spotty roles in several films, including, "Zoolander", "House of Wax", "Raising Helen", and more recently, "Repo! The Genetic Opera". But all of these roles are insubstantial. Paris Hilton is living what she, and the public, perceives of her. That she is insubstantial.

And what of this stint on Supernatural? What will this bring? Other than a brief reunion with her "House of Wax" co star Jared Padalecki, it brings yet another spoof of a character that she and the media have perpetuated. The storyline revolves around a creature that shifts to take on Paris Hilton's persona, something the writers plan on having fun with. "We wrote the role just for her," co-producer and series writer Sera Gamble said in an interview with Maureen Ryan for the Chicago Tribune. "We're very excited that she said yes."

And that in itself is pretty disturbing. She was selected to portray a monster, disguised in her well-known looks, who lures people in then goes for the kill. While reportedly excited about the role, one has to wonder about the not-so-subtle symbolism of a person who forms a public face in order to get what she wants. But she doesn't seem to mind. As she "tweeted" to her fans, "I love playing this character, so fun!" And she's had nothing but good things to say about the actors and crew.

Call her a dumb blond if you wish, but Paris Hilton knows how to capitalize on the general public's need for sensationalism. Her notoriety is designed for media frenzy and cameos. It leaves one to wonder if Paris Hilton has any self-worth in her, or if she truly believes she is a plaything, a roaming victim of circumstance. Rest assured, this self-made "celebutante" will continue to cover our entertainment papers and gossip rags, claiming her victims one by one as she hides behind the mask of Paris Hilton.

This much-hyped episode of "Supernatural" should air in late October or early November, if they stick to the current episode rotation. Season five debuts September 10th on the CW network. Check your local listings for more details.

http://twitter.com/parishilton/status/3157551977
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_hilton