(S01E04) Following the recipe for controversy which has been a mainstay for this show since its inception, tonight's episode of Kid Nation threw religion into the fray. So, let's take a moment to count the controversies and brouhahas thus far -- we have the child labor issue, the scripted/acting kids issue, the contract issue in which the parents promised not to sue if their kid died, the kill two chickens on television issue, and so many more.Adults created this world created by the children, so let's get them going on religion next! Will there be fisticuffs? Love-ins? Heathens run amok? Thankfully, in this case, the kids were smarter than the adults.
But, once again, was the idea of bringing religion to the forefront that of the children themselves? Of course not. While I actually enjoy watching this show and I'm really getting into a lot of the kids -- some are great kids -- I have a problem with the way the whole series is set up. Oh, I know I mention it every week, but it makes it all a bit wrong for me.
It's always the adults, the supposed journal, putting things into motion for the kids. That's going to bug me each time I watch the show. Of course, totally unscripted events might lead to kids playing and teasing cows all season.
I'd love to know the actual time frame for the religious discussion with the kids claiming "Jew Crew" and "Christians rule." While the show edited it as if that discussion was happening at the very moment that the town council members were reading the journal entry about religion, I doubt it.
Did it happen before the seed was planted? After? I'm sure we'll never know, but if I were a wagering woman, I'd say that someone somehow got the kids talking about religions. From what I've previously seen on the show, the kids who are very into their religions seem to keep it close and haven't said much except in confessional sort of segments to us.
In the end, it was the girl who was considered for a gold star last week, Morgan, who seemed to take it all in stride and get things done. Instead of telling the others they must have a religious service, she asked them if they would attend a bonfire prayer meeting in which each person could do their own thing. Smart kid, that Morgan. The next thing you know, the kids are doing what the council tried to make them do, but led by a gentler spirit.
As far as the showdown goes, I'm with so many of the kids -- I want Yellow to lose so that Taylor will be a laborer. That kid needs to work. Yeah, I realize she's young, but what better time to learn a lesson about real life? I'm also sure that editing tends to take her bad behaviors to spotlight them and it's all out of sequence. But, hey kids, that's the game of un-reality TV for you.
I was thankful and, yes, perhaps even a bit blessed by a greater power, that I understood the challenge ... er, showdown this week. With the religious theme at hand, the kids had to build a steeple puzzle then raise it with a chain and pulley by cranking a wheel. No convoluted pipes. (I had nightmares about solving that one.)I guess I'm not so blessed, after all. But neither is any kid in Bonanza City who enjoys eating. Taylor's Yellow Team are once again the cooks. Blech. That worked out so well before, right? The Blue Team is the upper class once again with Green up for their third stint at being the laborers.
Par for the course, the choice of rewards for the entire town finishing the showdown within a set time frame was a choice between the fun and the more adult -- or wise, which doesn't necessarily mean adult, maybe mature is a better word. They could have a miniature golf course for the duration of the season or a whole pile of religious books from various religions. The town council, still smarting from last week's outrage over their decision, had the kids vote. Me? I'd read the books at home and play miniature golf there, but the kids chose knowledge. Go figure.
Taylor once again didn't take the responsibility seriously even though some of the kids younger than she is seem to be really handling their duties well. But, as this show has shown us, when one kid (or a group of them) let us down, another will shine. Zach played the role of hero for the Yellow Team, going around recruiting others to help wash dishes. As with the Morgan situation earlier, even though he was more forceful about his recruiting, the task got done and the kids even ended up having some fun with it.
The Town Hall meeting saw another kid go home and more tears this week. This time it was nine-year-old Cody who misses his family and his girlfriend. Mind you, she's been his girlfriend since third grade! Okay, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't kids his age in the fourth grade? I have to admit I got a bit teary myself as he left. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Sniffle, sniffle, honk.
Morgan deservedly received the gold star this week. Her parents should be proud of her, indeed. The others considered were Zach and Greg. Taylor doesn't like Zach because she thinks he's bossy. Of course, calling her out at the town meeting didn't help him much with her. And Mike will never like Greg and will probably always resist Greg getting the star.
The promo for next week indicates the town council positions might change. I think Taylor getting voted off has to be a sure bet. I'm looking forward to that one! One thing I'm sure they won't answer on next week's show, though -- what the heck is with all the chapped lips, cold sores, scrapes on the faces? Maybe it IS child abuse!















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-11-2007 @ 1:16AM
plinstrot said...
one thing that always bothers me is that when the gold star recipient goes to call their parents, there's a camera crew at their parents' house. Huh? suposedly the council has just made the decision and the winner has just run off to make the call. What is that, like 5 minutes top between the council making their decision and the phone call. It just so blatently defies the "reality" of the show that it makes me want to shut it off.
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10-11-2007 @ 2:19AM
Jake Geiser said...
@ plinstrot
Think about how long they have already been in production. That gives them quite a bit of time to track these people down. if they aren't already on call...
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10-11-2007 @ 2:43AM
Rob said...
The green captain's lips have been bothering me since the second episode, it's out of control.
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10-11-2007 @ 7:48AM
Alicia said...
Depending on when they filmed the show, Cody could actually have been in third grade. I was more than a little disturbed by the fact that part of his girlfriend's letter was censored - what are 9-year-olds writing about? (When they showed a close-up I realized it was her address but for a moment I had a horrible flash of a Lifetime movie in the pipeline.
Laurel's the only person who seems to deserve her spot on the council. Taylor's a brat, Mike's more interested in making sure no one ignores him or is mean to him than he is in the welfare of the town and Anjay's just too passive to do much leading. He spends most of the decision making meetings with a scared look on his face.
Maybe it would be for the best if they all were replaced. My picks? Sophia for the green, Greg for the blue, Jared for the red and Zach for the yellow. (Anything that gets more screentime for Jared is OK with me, Sophia v Greg would be hilarious and Zach is probably the only person on the yellow team who gives a rats rear about the town.)
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10-11-2007 @ 8:43AM
bob said...
I had the same concerns about the chapped lips; when was this filmed? The children are bundled up most of the time and look cold, so it must have been in winter, and they got some snow as well. So, maybe the chapped lips are from cold exposure, or maybe just not used to the New Mexico sun? In any case, I am surprised this is not being taken care of, chapstick with sunscreen anyone? And if this was filmed in winter, how did the kids get out of school for this long?
I too was amused that when the gold star kid calls home a film crew is at the house; maybe there is a camera crew on call in every kids town.
I thought this show would be really good; kids given a chance to make decisions, with some thoughtful guidance, but instead we have adults forcing the kids into groups and manipulating the kids into difficult situations, and watching their reactions; what is to be gained from this?
I doubt if kids would have divided the town into color groups and a caste system; in fact, I bet the kids would have chosen the best cooks to be the cooks, it would have been nice to see what they would have done.
Religion: Tonight's show was the best so far; the kids handled a difficult situation very well. Manipulated? Probably parts of it, like the argument about Jews and Christians, but I'd like to think the prayers were sincere. Zack's prayer, sung in Hebrew, was especially touching, and the other kids respected him. Kids tend to be tolerant of others, maybe not because of a noble nature, perhaps only because they want to fit in with the group. Children speak what they hear their parents say and when the see the result of their words, it has an effect, their own minds are still formulating their characters. Maybe that's part of what we saw tonight; kids arguing about religion and then coming together in prayer. We could all learn from this.
Mike, the council leader: He's all of 11 years old, give the child a break. He really does care, he's sensitive and passionate, he tends to shout because he is insecure in being a leader of older kids. I see in Mike a boy who will defend his friends, stand up for what's right, and cry with someone who's hurting. A good kid overwhelmed by his position. Zack is a better leader, but Mike's passion makes him a good council member, a voice from the heart.
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10-11-2007 @ 9:54AM
h8rain said...
Being addicted to chapstick myself :), it does pain me to see that those kids need some chapstick. Maybe that could be a reward? Or they could sell it in the store.
I personally don't like Taylor, and I am hoping she gets replaced. I also really like Jared one-liners.
Next episode has snow, so I would guess it was filmed during the winter.
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10-11-2007 @ 10:51AM
Kayla said...
I've been waiting for this moment, ever since the show aired. Beautiful!. My hat goes off to whomever is responsible for this show. If I had my way, every child in this world would have to go through this, before graduating from school. I would cover all bets, to say that if all children, went through this, it would be a better world. This is what it takes to live in this world, instead of all the games, etc. "Nothing like hard knocks, to knock some sense into some one".
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10-11-2007 @ 12:47PM
RC said...
Nobody mentioned the one kid taking the survey of what religion everyone was. He knew more about religious denominations than I do!
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10-11-2007 @ 12:58PM
david said...
yeah anyone who is mystified on how they get a camera crew to the parents house so quickly needs to get a clue. For those who dont know CBS is a large company with many different local affiliates [/sarcasm]. Its not like they have to send an official member of the "KIDNATION PRODUCTION TEAM" out to the house. They just send out one of the camera guys from the local news team and probably get the whole thing done in 15-30 minutes.
What makes us think that they do the phone call exactly when they are presenting it to us either?
Another thing i dont understand is how/why people are so up in arms over the journal. Going into this show did people really thing it was gonna be a lord of the flies, free for all? I mean if this television show was going to work at all they were going to need direction from adults.
"Tune into next weeks kidnation when some of the kids play duck,duck,goose and all the others just kinda lay around."
That is the type of riveting entertainemnt we would be seeing if the producers didnt try to get some type of controversy brewing. Now i am not going to give the producers a 100% pass on some the other stuff though. For instance, do we really believe that this bonfire service was 100% morgans idea. If they were letting these kids play with fire, build bonfires, dont we all think that (the one who looks like cody, got in the bull stare down last week), greg, and/or blaine would be out there every night building one.
The final thing i anted to touch on, and was very surprised it wasnt touched on earlier was the strong anti-jew feelings that came from many of the kids on the show. Im sure there was more than one parent that had to have a long sit down chat with their child on what can/cant/should/shouldnt be said about others and their beliefs (and hopefully they also told that one girl to stop picking at what ever that was on the left side of her face).
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10-11-2007 @ 1:05PM
david said...
whoops wanted to add two more quick thoughts...
1)was it just me or did anyone else not understand why there was such blind fury to the leaders idea of a group celebration compared to the celebration that came with morgans invite.
I also found it interesting that the kids who were raising the biggest stink about the group service were not saying that they would be offended but they thought "others would start fighting". From where I sat you guys (i wont mention their religion) were the only ones who had a problem with it.
2) the kid who was taking the survey... is it just me or do those dark glasses he wears make him look like a panda.
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10-11-2007 @ 1:20PM
gina said...
It just amazes me that grown people don't give children a chance to see what their failures or strengths are without adding so much of their own beliefs. Where do you think children get their racisism and judgements from? give them a chance. I would definetly have sent my child to this program. Just remember all experiences are learning experiences and helps one to grow-comon adults you were a child once-i enjoy kidnations..ty
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10-11-2007 @ 1:30PM
KNFan said...
Yeah. I've gotta admit that I was wondering too about the little angels with dirty faces. :-) They definitely need someone to tell them to clean their faces and moisturize. I mean, even that little evil beauty queen Taylor has a dirty face ! Is it because of the dust bowl? Right after the challenges or what?
Also, I definitely agree. Little Miss Taylor definitely has to be taken down a peg or two. Can't wait for that new election. I'd really like to see Sophia and maybe even Greg -- the older kids in on the action.
That Jared and the Asian kid with the one tooth are such cuties. Great one liner artists. But where was Jared's famous person quote of the week this past episode? I always have something to look forward to when he's on.
Well. That's my take. I love this show. And I'm really starting to love these kids -- even the ones who get on my nerves. They all seem to be doing the right thing each week -- putting many an adult to shame, I'm afraid.
Can't wait to see Greg finally get that Gold Star. I just hope he doesn't act out too much before he gets it as an excuse for the others to not give it to him -- exactly what Mike wants, I'm sure.
-- KNFan
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10-11-2007 @ 1:33PM
smashinguitars69 said...
From what i have seen on this show it is remindz of survivor....the 1st show was good but after that 19 more were made and now it is getting old. I think if they only make 1 show a year like this it will be good. Personally I think all reality shows are staged and the people are told what do when to do it to make the show apeal. I mean think about it.....ask anyone who has really been in a survival situation like survivor....they eat way to much and drink way to much...plus do u think the camera men eat nasty crap like they eat? No way...lol. Anywayz i like kid nation alot better than survivor... so thumbs up!!! for the time being.
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10-11-2007 @ 2:03PM
secadal said...
I love this show. Only one I can actually watch with my kids. Do I think all of it is unplanned by adults? Of course not! But I love the kids and their confessionals and the kids tend to make the right decisions for everyone. Imagine that!
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10-11-2007 @ 2:17PM
shelly jackson said...
I think these kids are doing a great job. I would say they were chosen because they showed potential to do above average when placed in a situation where they have to use critical thinking skills. Greg does deserve to get a gold star based upon his work ethics, but he needs to keep his cool for a little while longer before it is issued. There are other kids on who haven't cussed anyone out. Maybe they should be considered first. Taylor definitely is not representing when it comes to "miss anything" contestants. The main concern I would have is food poisoning. The dishes need some HOT soapy water! Hats off to the ones trying to keep it clean. Tearjerker, yes, at times. The calls would be very boring if we could not see the parents response when their child received that gold star. I believe my kids could have done this when they were younger, but I am not so sure I would have survived! I loved it when they got the books and realized that Christianity is founded in the Jewish religion. They were reading and noticed, the "beginning" was almost the same. lol This was such a powerful step for unity.
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10-11-2007 @ 4:07PM
Ty said...
Taylor and Mike NEED to be voted off the Town Council.
Taylor is garbage, she shouldn't even be on the show. She never wants to do anything. She definitely has to be off the Council.
Mike needs to go too. He's very annoying AND no matter what he hates Greg and has a huge bias against him.
I personally think Greg has been deserving the gold star for a long time and could really use it. I fear he will become a loser without that money to help pay for college, which he mentioned is why he wants it.
Also, am I the ONLY one bothered by how they drink root beer? Root beer is fine, but shot glasses? Chugging at the "party" past week? It's almost as if they are being groomed to substitute root beer for real alcohol in a couple of years. That has bothered me more than anything on the show.
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10-12-2007 @ 9:12AM
Max said...
I agree, Ty. Running off to drown your sorrows in root beer, or taking root beer shots feels wrong and disturbing.
I think Greg will get the last gold star. If they give it to him now, he will stop trying for it and revert to his previous bad behavior. Also if kids get elected to the council next week, that takes them out of the running for the star since the council can't give it to themselves.
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10-15-2007 @ 11:48AM
Kassy said...
i haven't watched this week's episode yet. But i really think Greg deserves the gold star. It irritates me that Mike won't give it to him just because he doesn't like him. If mike is truly a leader he will give it to the person who deserves it.
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10-19-2007 @ 9:24AM
birnam said...
I was disappointed in the way that the host presented the election results in the Mike-Guylan race. Mike received one vote, obviously he voted for himself. And Guylan received all of the other votes. Was it really necessary to continue to read all of the remaining votes after Guylan had scored the necessary majority? On Survivor, with adults, when a majority is reached in the voting, they do not continue with the remaining votes. Certainly, Mike did not deserve the humiliation of the revealing of the unanimous decision against him.
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12-12-2007 @ 10:11PM
Deanna m said...
Ok so how did yall sign up for this kid nation cuz me and my sister would like to sign up cuz we think we got what it takes we are hard workers
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