In This Section
|
« Kid Nation
Episode Recap: "The Root of All Evil"
This is the toughest blog of the entire season for me. Why, you ask? Well, other episodes of Kid Nation might not have been great, but at least they were entertaining. This was a train wreck. So I stamp the big black advisory sticker over this first paragraph and tell you that if you are reading this and going to get annoyed by some negativity, then you might just want to stop now and come back next week. However, if you also thought this week was a train wreck, by all means read to the end. The one thing I won’t do is lie to you and put a rosy spin on this blog just for the heck of it. I am nothing if not honest, so my apologies to all who'll hate what’s to come. Every show is allowed a train wreck now and again, right? Right?
So let’s look at some of the reasons why this episode was bad.
The No. 1 reason has to be: Who the heck is Nathan? Yes, who is this kid? I don’t ever recall seeing him before, and tonight he wins a gold star. And does he have any expression other than indifferent? I know that’s a lot of questions all at once, but I think I’m entitled because I didn’t know he existed before this week. And you just have to love the conversation between Laurel and Nathan, which was totally scripted and ended up with Laurel saying that she wishes he wouldn’t grow up so fast. She’s known him for 20 days and she’s what, two years older? That’s a really funny statement for her to make, and Guylan said the same thing later. Weird.
Then there were the nominations for a gold star. Nominations? When did this happen? At no other point has there ever been nominations, unless they just haven’t shown them. I wondered what the heck Greg was talking about when he mentioned he might nominate Pharaoh, and then we saw. And then, either due to creative editing or what really happened, the entire city voted for Pharaoh except Greg, and the town council gives the star to Nathan. Why bother with the nominations if you clearly don’t care about what people say at all?
And how about this great $18.50 treasure?! Yeah, you know I’ll bet the original town members left it there for these kids. You just knew the fake treasure hunt was coming at one point, didn’t you?
One thing we’ve been talking about for weeks now is the creative editing, which this week just happened to have the kids saying their clothes aren’t getting clean enough and then having the showdown reward be washing machines. What a coincidence! Oh, and the gold-star winner is the main person doing this wash, which isn't getting clean enough.
But, there were actually two things that I did enjoy. One was the 10 seconds at the end where the girls had a fake fashion show. The other was Jared saying, “Holy banana bread.” My wife thinks Jared won’t get any nookie until he’s 35. I have to agree. And I’m leaving it at that.
Maybe next week I'll booze it up first so everything seems funny. Oh, c'mon, I know you're thinking about doing the same thing.
Until next week, friends.
Check out clips from Kid Nation in our Online Video Guide.
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
Oct 31, 2007 9:39 PM
|
Ol Dave... I gotta hand it to ya. Every single week I literally LOL at one line in your blog. The Jared line got me... Woo hoo!
As for the show, I tend to agree, It's becoming painfully obvious how the "story editors" contrive soundbites to fit their episodes. I'm sure all of the shows do it, but these are just so blatant.
I will have to give some props to the producers on at least a couple of fronts, though. True, we didn't know JACK about Nathan before this week - but wasn't it just last week when everyone was commenting how many kids seemed in "the background" that we know nothing about? I saw at least 5 new kids getting some camera time this week, so at least THAT'S something positive. (And almost NO Taylor this week. Yay!)
I'm glad to see they are finally addressing how the knowledge of the $20k value of the gold star is changing people so dramatically. And it's not bringing out their good sides, either. It was just a matter of time before people started openly campaigning to win it - and the "needs the money" factor came in to play. Greed motivates - whether it's good or bad is open to debate - but it's a fact. Even for kids this young. It stings a little more knowing that Divad is so open in her grab at the money... when it was HER family that went public trying to blame the producers and threatening to sue.. even AFTER they signed their kid's life away with that god-awful release form. Did you ever read that entire thing? Wow...
Finally, I can't believe you failed to mention the funniest moment of the show. When 40-year-old-virgin Jared struts through the town in his new Pimp-Daddy threads. LOLOLOL!
|
|
Oct 31, 2007 10:15 PM
|
Except*
There have been nominations before: the week Mallory was nominated. Everyone was saying Morgan should be selected, and then nasty Olivia came in (though she hadn't been nasty yet) and said Mallory should be selected.
And yeah, the editing is painful to watch. That whole conversation with Nathan and Laurel had me shaking my head.
I agree with poster above: it's nice to see other kids and their personalities. I imagine some of the other kids who really need money are getting worried as the show comes to a close that they won't get a gold star. Understandable for some of them.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 1:19 AM
|
|
I have to agree with the blogger a little on this, even though the bloggers contempt for the show has been barely concealed all season. This one drug out a little bit and was just plain slow. I have to admit I missed Taylor! She must have behaved this week, which points to the fact that if you behave, you get little air time on this show. And, it did seem quite scripted. Hard to believe that Greg would suddenly roll over in his sleeping bag in a fit of remorse for having treated Nathan so badly and a camera just happened to be there. But, on the other hand after DK nearly leaving in tears last week, perhaps he would think twice about leaving Nathan feeling bad just before the town meeting. Anyway, here's hoping next week is better.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 2:09 AM
|
Indifferent? for Nathan? I think the kid is as queer as a three dollar bill, but is just too young to know it yet. After winning 20 grand, he said he is going to spend the cashish on piano lessons and chorus. The writing is on the wall, he will be getting beat up in high school on his way to being the next Andrew Lloyd Webber!
Is Jared an idiot savant or just an idiot? Sometimes he says things wise beyond his years and other times you can tell the kid has been home schooled and has ZERO social skills. The pimpin outfit was fine... with a capital FINE, but what kid spends his money on mackin clothes when he has no game. I agree he wont' get laid until he is 35, but at that time he will be a multi-milliaire and getting model ass.
I missed all the Parisy dumb twitness of Taylor this week. The show needs a villian!
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 2:20 AM
|
keefer - yeah, you know keefer - as a pimp myself, I don't take kindly to other people playing themselves off as pimps. So I had some issue with this guy posin'. No, wait..what am I saying here. Didn't you just see the Jared blow up coming sooner or later though? His flipping of Divad's products was a geek blowing up. (Oh, and Divad? Did Mommy and Daddy want a boy and were too lazy to come up with a girls name? I can picture this now - "Oh honey, just rearrange David into something else...Ddvai. No. DviaD. Hmmm..."
jayhop - D'oh. I thought I've hidden my contempt very well!  Entertainment doesn't always have to make me happy. This show happens to make me a slight bit cranky. But the fact that I can usually spew 1,200 words on something that annoys me also says to me that the show is entertaining. Tonight just wasn't anything but boring. And I certainly didn't miss Taylor, but I do see that the most boring week was the week she was on screen for just a moment. Again, the odd entertainment factor of this show.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 5:41 AM
|
Agreed, this was the weakest episode yet. (Which figures-- my son actually watched it for once!) It did seem a little scripted, and the drama manufactured. However, I will say, if Mr. Steed doesn't care for this show (which seems obvious from the vitriol in his blog about it) why not just opt out of reviewing it? I'd love to see blogs on other shows, perhaps he can volunteer to work with one of those. I mean, making fun of a kid's name is pretty low....)
About the gold star, I propose a new rule for Bonanza City: anybody who nominates or lobbies for himself/herself... is automatically disqualified. That seems to be against everything the star stands for: teamwork, community, pitching in without regard to reward.
Second of all,I can't believe nobody mentioned Divad and her "fried potatoes." Did she just take the potatoes from the kitchen and use them for her personal gain? Isn't that called, oh I don't know, STEALING? Sort of a grown-up version of when you take the lemonade that your mom buys and then sell it, keeping the money for yourself.
And for what the book said: it was an interesting concept, taking the "treasure" money & buying stuff for the town. A good compromise. I'm a bit surprised none of the kids complained that they didn't get to go explore the caves too, but I guess there's nothing stopping them from doing that now.
I do hope next week's show is better. A little less manufactured drama and a little more heart, please.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 6:18 AM
|
David - Maybe I found last night's episode so boring because I watched it this morning instead of when I got home from the bar last night like I usually do. Maybe the drinking before hand will work for you too.
It was nice to see some of the other kids in this episode but I really didn't like any of them all that much. I thought it was great of Pharoah that he wanted to win the gold star to help his family but when the council was talking about him, they said he didn't start working until he found out about the gold star.
Divad's self promotion and bribery was unacceptable and she should be told that she will never get a gold star if she keeps it up. I also think something should have been done about her taking provisions and using the kitchen for her own gain. I see that as stealing and trespassing.
It was nice that the council bought things for the town with the money but from the looks of it, next week they will all be bored again. I hope the previews are wrong and that the winner of the talent show next week isn't rewarded with the gold star.
I loved watching little Mallory helping her team in the challenge last night. They gave her the perfect job for her age and she looked so proud to be able to contribute to her team. I was so happy that she didn't break that egg when she stumbled.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 7:42 AM
|
David - That review kind of sucked. I agree with you that the episode could have had a bit more heart and humor like with the fashion show at the end, but the producers are doing what they can with the footage that they have. I for one, have no problem with the editing, that's the whole point of a reality show to create some narrative and thematic structure from everyday events. The way to do that is through editing. I don't think it's been egregiously manipulative as in other shows.
I think if people have a problem, it's with the whole premise of the show which instead of being about what kids would do on their own, is instead let's work for the gold star and fight over job classes and money. But if you accept that that is the show, then this episode wasn't that bad.
David, please realize in your future reviews who the audience is for this show. It's not for people who want to be "entertained" with scandal and drama like Britney-car-wreck "entertainment," (similar to the Taylor divaness of last episode). I suggest you watch and blog for something else. This is a family-friendly reality TV series about normal kids in a town.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 8:14 AM
|
Within the first 5 minutes, they showed a sad little kid we've never seen before - gee, guess who will get the gold star....
This show's producers are more and more transparent with their contrived social commentary. Since when is it bad to work for $20,000? It's called a job. I suspect that many of these kids will have a rude awakening in 10 years - or they will pursue a career in academia.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 8:48 AM
|
David, I don't think there's anything wrong with your blogs!
Okay, is it bad that I didn't even realize there was no Taylor in this episode? I seriously, completely forgot about her. I like that they started to introduce new kids, but it would have been nice if we saw a bit more of Nathan before this episode aired and he won the gold star. He is a bit reserved and quiet, and wants to spend money on music - but he did work hard and apparently has been from the beginning so...
Divad really turned me off in this episode. It's one thing to nominate yourself for the gold star. It's another to make posters about it and try and campaign for it and make it a bit of a popularity contest. I like that best about this show, it seems that popularity has taken a back seat in how they choose the gold star winner. Which, is definitely a good thing. Though, I'm not sure if Divad is even that popular...
Jared is hilarious. I can't believe that kid. His little outfit had me laughing out loud. Way to blow the moolah kid.
They seriously need something exciting to happen on this show though. A talent show next week? I'm not all that excited for it, honestly.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 10:52 AM
|
Totally agree with you David, this was a bad episode. There was noticeable scripting throughout. There have been nominations before though, remember? Olivia was the only one to nominate her sister and she ended up getting it as a birthday present even though most of the others had nominated a couple of other people.
oops, hit post before I was through commenting. We didn't have to deal with Taylor this week which I found unusual, but that didn't mean I had no frustration. How could Devad [was that her name? something like that] think that stealing food from the group as a whole and selling it at a profit for yourself is a good business venture that will not only not make anyone angry but also win you a gold star? She spends her time [mostly] not helping with the work required in order to better her own financial situation to the detriment of the group as a whole. At least most of the kids weren't impressed. I was impressed with Jared's necklace business made from scrap wood and leather rather than taken from the communal food stock. BUT is anyone really buying that he was able to make that many necklaces using his trusty magnifying glass? That would have taken the kids months. PUHLEEESE!
Oh and we start out this episode with the council buying the town numerous toys and such with the "treasure" and yet the gripe next week is that there is nothing to do???
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 11:00 AM
|
This was my first time watching and I did not see the whole episode but I too was surprised that nathan was getting the gold star since from the comments of other kids nathan wasn't exactly a fave with them this being my first time I was unfamiliar with the process of who is chosen and or how they are chosen. then there was a girl named Devon(?)was angry at not winning becasue she washed lots of dishes but nobody notices she seemed pretty angry. Pharoh seemed like a nice kid and seemed to realy need the money. but gaain I did not see the whloe show so....
I'm not sure I would have chosen new clothes over a washing machine cause the new clothes will get dirty too right? They aren't going to get new clothes every week are they? but maybe they didn't want to have to pay to wash their clothes.I have to say after all the negative publicity the show wasn't as bad as I thought.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 11:49 AM
|
David, I agree with your assessment. There was just something off that I couldn't place until I came here and read your blog entry.
With that said...
I heart Jared. I just love him. Between the pimp stroll thru the town and the tie-dyed shirt moment where he proclaimed he was wrong for tossing stuff around and giving in to his greed... that he needed to bring some "peace and love" back. How can you not love this kid?
And I didn't see anyone else mention Greg. I really liked that he is thinking about his actions and apologized to Nathan. Our little Greg is growing up so fast!
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 12:49 PM
|
Dave says, "Why bother with the nominations if you clearly don’t care about what people say at all?"
Surely, Dave, you have heard of Congress, haven't you? 
The editing problems aside, these kids seem to live like the nation. You have self-promotion, greed, the narcissists, and the doo-gooders. I think it's a microcosm of what these kids will grow up to be.
|
|
Nov 1, 2007 1:05 PM
|
|
|
