MTV gives it the old college try

In the quintessential fraternity movie “Animal House,” Tim Matheson tells his brothers in their moment of despair: “I think this situation absolutely requires a really stupid and futile gesture be done on someone’s part.”

Apparently, MTV has answered the call.

Rather than ruining any big homecoming parades, though, the network is premiering “Sorority Life II” and “Fraternity Life” tonight at 10 and 10:30, respectively.

To be fair, this exercise is probably not entirely futile. It was only last summer that MTV scored a big ratings hit with the first edition of “Sorority Life,” which focused on six pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi house at UC Davis.

Never mind that students nationwide wrote commentaries in school newspapers saying that the series did not reflect their experiences in the Greek system. Never mind that MTV reportedly paid for contrived living circumstances for the pledges, a la “The Real World.” Never mind that the governing bodies of many national sororities and fraternities have barred their members from participating in such shows.

This time around, the subjects are pledges for the Delta Xi Omega sorority and the Sigma Chi Omega fraternity of the University at Buffalo. If the premiere episodes are an indication, partying and the angst of gaining acceptance will be emphasized much more than academic or charitable activities. Shocking, but true.

What drew viewers to “Sorority Life” will doubtless do the same for its sequel and its testosterone-drenched sibling: an opportunity to watch the dynamics of a group laced with drama queens (and kings), and, c’mon, admit it -- a chance to check out the hotties.

Frankly, though, there seem to be more entertaining options for eavesdropping or ogling.