Signs Indicate I’m in Dire Need of an Extreme Reality Check

Sept. 25, 2004 - Kourier Standard

by Laurel E. Anderson
 
With new reality shows hitting the airwaves every other week (or so it seems), it’s hard not to get pulled in by one or two. I know that I am already making excuses but I can’t help it. I’m addicted and a bit ashamed. Admitting that I watch Survivor is easy because everyone’s watching that one right? And The Amazing Race was a great summer family show until Colin debuted his temper tantrum personality this season.
 
But it’s not these shows that I am concerned about. It’s the other ones like ABC’s ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and Fox’s ‘Renovate My Family.’ I’m addicted to Extreme Makeover and no one is more surprised than me. With an over the top premise – to completely remodel, renovate or in some cases, rebuild a deserving family’s home in 7 days, I know what you’re thinking? How do I get on that show? Well, other than the fact that it’s American, you also need to send in a video tape or have someone else send one in explaining why you should be picked for this life changing contest and so far, most of the winners have been families who have had to overcome extreme obstacles in their own lives.
 
Just last week Extreme Makeover changed the life of a 27 year- old single mom with one daughter and two teenage foster sons. Turns out that she had her daughter at age 17 and raised her while going to school and college to become a social worker, which is where the foster children fit in. This young woman does not let her challenged living space or lack of extra funds dampen the generosity that she extends to all of those around her. She is perfect for the show and host Ty Pennington himself delivers the good news to the family.
 
It’s great news. Told that you’ve been picked for a home makeover has a huge ‘wow’ factor to start and then you are told that while your home is transformed into a castle, you will be going on vacation. Disney World is a popular destination and while there, the family receives comical updates from Ty with his video camera showing parts of the house being gutted and other parts just disappearing.
 
The rest of the show depicts the designer, builder, shopper, stylist, foreman and huge crew of workers mingling, playing, working and sometimes even fighting. And like the other ‘reality’ decorating shows, time always becomes an issue.  There may be a design issue or an inventory shortage of something needed and then the clock starts ticking and Ty starts sweating. But like all television shows, everything is completed in time for the family’s arrival home.
 
When the family does arrive home, the real excitement begins as the entire neighbourhood tends to show up for the unveiling as the family is kept waiting for several minutes to see their new and improved home. As the family enters the home there is lots of shrieking, often tears and lots of wows when the plasma TV is found.  There is always a plasma! It’s like a standard feature in each house. The ‘new’ home is usually unrecognizable compared to the old one and on this show; it’s always a good thing.
 
And I guess that’s why I watch the show. It’s a good thing and it doesn’t look like anyone is getting hurt or being taken advantage of. Sure, the show may be a little ‘formula’ and we as viewers do have to remember that it is a television show but that being said, it’s a feel good show and I’m hooked. Is that so bad?
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