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Episode Recap: "Bless Us and Keep Us Safe"
Although I wasn't around last Wednesday night to recap, I did end up watching the episode on Saturday night and then reading all your comments. One of the things that's interesting now that we have a few episodes under our belts is that the show is really giving off a pretty negative vibe. I mean, 75 percent of the comments last week were negative in one form or another, from talking about Taylor, to Greg's attitude and the whole drinking-shots issue. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but don’t you get the feeling that it's much easier to point out the bad than the good? And that's driven by where the editing of this show is taking us.
Just the opening segment alone, where they have Taylor prominently saying "deal with it," gives you a great idea of what the show is trying to portray. The biggest comments from last week were Taylor's attitude and the kids drinking shots. And that was a good chunk of this week, too.
Taylor did nothing this entire episode. She didn't cook; she stood over the puzzle and yelled at people, she didn't get near the wheel to help lift up the puzzle, and she laughed in the faces of the people who were calling her lazy. The host is right on target with his comment at the end. Either she tunes people out or she has the thickest skin I've ever seen in a child. Every child I know would have been crying their eyes out by now. I want to hate her, but I can't hate a child. I can hate her values, her laziness and her arrogance, though. Somehow it makes me feel better to hate everything about the girl, but not the girl herself. Hey, if 15 years from now VH-1 is airing "I Love Taylor IV", then I'll hate her. Yeah, I'm buying into my own crazy logic on this one.
Then there's the shot issue. I have to tell you that I hate this. There's no rosey spin on this one. These kids are drinking their beverages out of shot glasses. How remarkably irresponsible are these producers? It's one thing to leave kids to fend for themselves, but it's another to toss shot glasses in front of them as if normal glasses don't exist. What's the oldest, 15? So give it two or three years before one of them experiments at a party with big bro's Wild Turkey, gets tossed in rehab and blames it on Kid Nation.
Then there's this show's whole religious vibe. I found it remarkable how strongly some of these young kids believed in their religion. I probably shouldn't be that shocked, but growing up in a nonreligious family it's weird to see 11-year-old kids so adamant about what they believe in. The most interesting comment throughout the whole group debate was when Laurel commented that people are being very "narrow-minded." Don't get me wrong, I see where she's coming from. The fact that some of these kids felt so strongly about not wanting to be in the same service with someone of a different faith can come across as narrow-minded. But wasn't the council being pretty narrow-minded itself in trying to force everyone to come to an overall service so they could learn about each others' religions? By the fact that no one came to the service, it's clear to see which train of thought won over. It's also nice to see the prayer circle afterwards. And of course, the very positive thing about the whole situation is that the group chose the Bibles as the prize. I really do think that one of these times they need to choose the fun prize and let themselves go a bit, but not in this case. Again, I'm not religious, but even I know that was the proper choice. But one of these times, the 40-foot water slide has to come out as a sanity check for the kids.
Now I want to get your opinion on something here. Supposedly, the overall goal of this show is to see if the kids can build a working town by the end, right? Was there one part of this episode that showed any step toward accomplishing that? In fact, how many steps toward that goal have we seen in the last few weeks? All I saw was a religious discussion, Taylor sitting around doing nothing and more dishes being washed. Are we done building up this town already? If so, are any of us going to be able to take many more weeks of just watching kids hold up dirty dishes? I kind of feel like I'm seeing the same thing over and over.
Anyway, Morgan did deserve the star this week, but Zach is certainly right on the verge. And you had to get all teary-eyed for Cody except for the fact that he misses his girlfriend. His girlfriend! Do 9-year-olds have girlfriends these days? Geez, I feel old.
Until next week, friends.
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Oct 10, 2007 10:05 PM
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Dave, I'm surprised you didn't mention anything about the kids lips. Some of the kids lips looked gross, like the kids were severely dehydrated or something. I felt like I was watching Survivor. I hope they were at least given some chapstick.
Taylor is very annoying, I hope she gets voted out of the council next week. I think Laurel has a good shot at being re-elected.
I really like Alex. He's very smart for a nine year old. I hope we get to see more of him next week.
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Oct 11, 2007 12:17 AM
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Dave
Gotta disagree with you about the shotglass thing. It would be one thing if the glasses were actually filled with booze, but let's be serious. Kids like to pretend to do "adult" things from a very early age. I think it's silly to think that 10-year-olds playing "saloon" will somehow grow up to be irresponsible drinkers. By that logic, any kid that ever plays with a toy gun will shoot someone when they get older. I think a big part of this experience for the kids is the fantasy aspect of living in the Old West. It's only natural that they would make a game out of it - and pretending to be "Drinking Shots" is no more warping them than pretending to be policians.
The most negative thing I've found about this show is the blantant interjection of controversy from the producers. Hmmm... cast a religiously diverse group of kids, then hand them a bogus "history book" that coincidentally suggests organizing religion. I think there would be enough drama and conflict occuring naturally among these kids without having to force them to deal with grown-up issues like religion, economic inequity, law enforcement and politics. But that's just my opinion.
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Oct 11, 2007 1:00 AM
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Ocean - I have it written down, underlined, circled etc..I was going to write about the lip thing. Laurel in particular looked terrible. I thought about the fact that you never see that on other reality shows. But on other ones you have makeup and chapstick and medicine for that stuff. But not with kids in the wild west my friend! So I left it out. I'm regretting that decision already! 
keefer - I understand your point with the shotglasses...as compared to the guns. But the toy guns are made to be toys. The shotglasses are made to put people on their backside. Adults on their backside. That's where I make my distinction.
But I completely agree with you on the bogus history book!
Thanks for the comments.
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Oct 11, 2007 8:06 AM
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I like the show, as does my whole family. I like to watch with my daughter and talk about the issues that come up each week and how she would handle them. I also don't have a problem with the drinking Rootbeer out of the shot glasses. These kids have seen that in every western and some cartoons, so lighten-up america this doesn't mean they are all going to be alcoholics.
As for taylor, I also can not hate a child but I would love to see how her parents are reacting to watching the show. Are they proud, are they defending her awful behavior, are they ashamed to walk around the town they live in? Everyone is focusing on the child, but where did she learn those behaviors and who reinforced them for her on a daily basis? They are the ones we should be taking to task!
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Oct 11, 2007 9:03 AM
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I love this show. Although it's not really kid's running a town without adult interference (what with the fake history book, the pre-established class system, etc.), I am finding it really interesting. With a few exception (esp Taylor and Greg) I can't help but love this kids. There are some truly amazing kids. And, I think that Morgan's parents especially should be extremely proud of their daughter. What an amazing, loving, hard-working, level-headed girl. I especially liked how she handled the group prayer situation. I'm happy to see a kid representing Indiana so well. Actually, last week's gold star winner, Mallory, is from Indiana as well. She is adorable and works hard, especially for a (just turned) 9 year old. Taylor could learn a thing or two from her.
It broke my heart when Cody left. How cute that he missed his "girlfriend". (And having a "girlfriend" at 9 is not really something new. We had "boyfriends" and "girlfriends" at 9 years old.)
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Oct 11, 2007 9:32 AM
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Maybe the reward for next week will be Chapsticks all around. I hope ~ those things hurt!
I don't really know if the shot glasses and saloon bother me or not. I can see both sides. I guess it may be because they really don't have much else to do for entertaining themselves so they go there and pretend.
I just want to say that I am so happy that they didn't try to make Greg a bad guy again. I really don't think he is a bad kid at all. I hope he ends up with a gold star at some point.
Morgan is an awesome kid she really did deserve it this week. She will be a great mother someday probably.
Zack is a really good kid too. He seems to be the only one in the Yellow District that realizes that being lazy gets you nowhere.
I have to agree with David that the "supposed" goal of the show ~ Create a working town ~ is kind of stupid. I guess they had to make something up rather than just say what it really is ~ A chance to see how kids behave with no adult supervision. They just use the "working town" premise to get them to read the fake history book.
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Oct 11, 2007 10:14 AM
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“Remarkably irresponsible”
HAHAHAH I totally agree. These kids know they are drinking from shot glasses and are acting as such.
That kid really killed me with the whole “ I’m just going to go have a root beer” to make himself feel better…I’m not Ok with that. these kids have picked up that when you are sad you have a drink. I have a problem with that.
And what the hammerstein is he doing with a girlfriend any way?
Morgan should have gotten the Gold star. The other child, from yellow who’s name escapes me, will get the gold star at another time I’m sure, probably even next week.
Also, that small kid who was going around taking the survey about everyone’s faith is a genius. Period. These are not all “Normal” kids. I’m not hating on him at all, but what other American child under ten knows the different between a Sunni and a Shiite????
I wish I could be there when some of those parents hear their children say that “Christian is better” and ect. It is a hard thing, to balance what you believe and make your child aware and respectful of other faiths. Whether or not those parents Ever told their daughter that “Christian is better” she has picked it up in the American culture, in her church and in her home.
As far as next week, I hope the town doesn’t implode and realizes that for the most part the blue red and green council members are doing a fine job. It’s the OTHER one that needs to get the ax.
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Oct 11, 2007 10:18 AM
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I think Morgan definitely deserved to be considered for the gold star but still don't like the fact that as a team the greens are losers and three out of four gold stars have gone to them. I'm hoping that Greg has figured out that simply but the amount of stars that will be given out eventually they have to give him one. He seems to be working to make the town better which is cool.
I don't feel comfortable watching the saloon on TV but I don't think it was bad of the producers to do it. They're in a pretend saloon what else are they going to drink with?
I am very disappointed in the town council. Taylor is a mess. If you can't hate her hate her parents. They not only raised her but thought she should be on this show. And the one service idea was horrible. Services are a time to worship your god not to discuss your beliefs. While their goals may have been noble they seemed to have no clue what a service means.
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Oct 11, 2007 10:20 AM
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This episode bothered me a lot. Religion did NOT need to be introduced by the producers and showing some of the kids having a discussion before the announcement by the council was obviously edited to meet with the timing of the introduction. I felt really uncomfortable and angry listening to some of those kids saying they didn't want to hear about anyone else's beliefs. That is close-minded parenting and indoctrination at work there. And Sophia saying she no longer believed in God - that is way too personal for public consumption and I hate to think of the backlash she may suffer in her community. I was surprised that most of the kids really wanted the holy books and apparently actually used them even reading others than their own. But I still think they could easily have made the town without religion being structured into it.
Once again the producers chose to derail the discussion of changing out the council until they could make a big political discussion out of it. The kids could have introduced the change at meeting and voted right there, but instead it is scripted for a weekly episode.
The kids are not making the decisions about what is important to them. They are basing all their choices on things that adults have presented to them and that INCLUDES providing them with shot glasses in the saloon. What, shots are the only type of glassware available in the old west? Wasn't there, but I'm thinking that is inaccurate.
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Oct 11, 2007 10:54 AM
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Morning All -
Just a few comments.... I fluctuate while watching this show between giggling and open-mouth horror at some of the things going on each week.
Sunday Smile -
That kid really killed me with the whole “ I’m just going to go have a root beer” to make himself feel better…I’m not Ok with that. these kids have picked up that when you are sad you have a drink. I have a problem with that. And what the hammerstein is he doing with a girlfriend any way?
I couldn't believe it either when Cody said he was going to the Saloon to get a root beer and forget his troubles. Wow! But, I'm on the fence about whether it's the show's fault if there'll be issues later on for these kids b/c there was a Saloon & shot glasses. I distinctly remember my friends & I pretending to be drunk and goofy while drinking root beer as a kid.
And it wasn't something we saw at home b/c my mom never kept alcohol in the house, nor do I ever recall her drinking in front of us except for the adult punch at my aunt's christmas party.
We did mimic a lot of what we saw on cartoons, tho... so if you want to point fingers... there ya go. Who doesn't remember seeing idiotic drunk behavior on Tom & Jerry or Bugs Bunny? And today's cartoons are even more explicit with some things...
I'm with you David, I can't hate Taylor, but man.... I really don't like her much, either. She needs a reality check. I think a few times volunteering at a homeless shelter or donating toys to an orphanage might give her spoiled attitude an adjustment. She just has no tolerance or compassion for others. Some might think it's cute now.. but try picturing that attitude on an adult. Or someone raising children herself. Ahh, the vicious cycle never ends....
I do like Zach a whole lot, Morgan, Laurel, Anjay... the adorably precocious Jared... is he not the funniest little old man? And I even like Greg, whom I think is mostly frustrated being the oldest one there. He seemed to be washing those dishes and not checking to see if others were noticing.
My whole thing about whether Greg is working for the star or really wanting to contribute is... maybe his motives were sketchy at first... he came right out and stated he was working b/c of the star... but I've also noticed he's taking more initiative and getting recognition/praise from the other kids. If the promise of a gold star was what initially pushed him... does it matter if he continues to contribute? I mean, really, weren't most of us given an allowance or some sort of reward for being good or helping around the house? It might have been the impetus, but we learned other things from our experiences and hard work... perhaps Greg will, too.
The saddest thing ever had to be when Cody left and his little friend (can't remember his name) was bawling his eyes out... even I teared up!
And when Cody was crying about missing his girlfriend. I was reminded of my own "boyfriend" when I was 9... Jack. I was the Leia to his Han Solo, the Sleeping Beauty to his Prince Charming when we play acted with our friends. When his family moved away, we exchanged trinkets "to remember eachother by," and I wore out my tape recorder listening to Lionel Richie's Truly for weeks while my older cousins laughed at me... Man, those were good times...
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Oct 11, 2007 11:17 AM
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Ah, David - thank you SO much for your thoughts on the show. Last week I had felt sick to my stomach watching those kids drink. So they're pretending to be adults? What are adults typically doing when they "chug, chug, chug"? They're binging. That's not safe behavior being mimicked there! And these kids think it's cool, that it's okay, and they're being encouraged.
And I'll be frank: I really loathe Taylor. I've worked with kids for over ten years, and she's simply unbearable. She has not been taught how important it is to be good to others. Instead, she's incredibly selfish. Did anyone else give a scoff when she said Zack was bossy?
That said, I really like Zack. I about cheered when he told Taylor to stop threatening everybody, because it's so true. And by standing up and essentially speaking for everyone there, he's made himself to be a good candidate for new yellow team leader. Does Taylor really think she'll be re-elected?
I think Anjay, Mike, and Laurel all deserve to be re-elected, especially Anjay and Laurel. Anjay is more soft-spoken, but he has so far been very calm. I really enjoyed watching his religious ritual.
And speaking of religion, my mouth about dropped open when I saw that religion was "necessary" to the town, and I wholeheartedly agreed with Sophia when she said that religion causes a lot of problems. I have no problem with people celebrating their own religions, but I really dislike it when people try to impose their beliefs on me. And I agree with you, David, about the kids' needing to select a fun item at some point. There's already so much fighting going on that something silly will do wonders for morale.
And please, get them some chapstick!
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Oct 11, 2007 11:18 AM
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"I have no problem with people celebrating their own religions, but I really dislike it when people try to impose their beliefs on me."
Very well said and I totally agree!
What do you guys think would have happened if the choice was between pizza and religious books?
Daesey ~ Jared is kind of like a funny little old man!
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Oct 11, 2007 11:50 AM
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kaltkaru - I scoffed! Didn't she say last week that sometimes "you have to be bossy to get people to listen to you." And then she compared herself to George Bush...
::shakes head:: these kids today.... tsk tsk tsk.... lol
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Oct 11, 2007 11:54 AM
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Everything that has been said about Taylor I agree. But I hate her. Yes I can hate a child. I seen some kids who are down right demon like. And Taylor is one of the kids that I don't like.
I also agree with the religion issue. I think that one girl I think her name is Divad, who said it would create arguments. And since I am Christian I would of picked the miniature golf prize instead of the religious books. You need to have some fun.
Sundayssmile03Also, that small kid who was going around taking the survey about everyone’s faith is a genius. Period. These are not all “Normal” kids. I’am not hating on him at all, but what other American child under ten knows the different between a Sunni and a Shiite???? I like that kid. That was pure genius about the faith survey. I was shocked that a kid under 10 not even know the difference between a Sunni and a Shiite, but actually knew what a Sunni and a Shiite was. I hate to admit this....but I don't even know the difference between a Sunni and Shiite.
So glad that Morgan won the golden star. I would of been happy if Zach won it. But he will.
How cute was it that Cody was crying over his girlfriend at 9. He has got a lot more years to be crying over a girl. But he is still cute.
My favs are Anjay, Laurel, sofia, Zach, Morgan, that kid who took the religious survey, and Jared. He is so adorable...his mediate over cheering before the showdown had me rolling.
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Oct 11, 2007 12:19 PM
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