Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
on ABC
By Adam Shuler
ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition is at its best when the program helps a family that selflessly gives
to their community. The March 9th episode centered on such a family:
the Turners, from Fairmont, West Virginia. Dad Richard faced some tough
challenges growing up, including drug addiction and jail time. But he reformed
himself, and his boisterous attitude reflects his positive outlook on life. Mom
Angie is working to achieve a Master’s degree in Special Education, and works as
a full-time caretaker for mentally-challenged adults. ABC’s chronicling of this
deserving family receiving a much-needed home makeover earned our recognition as
Best of the Week.
The most inspiring example of
the Turners’ altruism is Richard’s volunteering to mentor younger kids and coach
the school’s basketball and football teams. He teaches the children valuable
life lessons such as avoiding drugs and respecting their parents and elders. It
is clear the children respect Richard and appreciate all he does for them. In
addition, Angie coaches the cheerleading squad at the school, and the entire
family runs a concession stand at local sporting events, with all proceeds going
toward funds for community sports activities.
The Turners’ home, however, is
not ideally structured for a family of their size. When Richard and Angie got
married, he was raising two kids and she was raising three. Their union may very
well represent a real-life Brady Bunch, but their home of less than 600
square feet is anything but idyllic. In addition to the small size, there are
countless holes in the walls, no door to the parents’ bedroom, and one bathroom
the entire family must share. Ty Pennington and his crew know that with all the
family gives to their community, a new home is the least they can do to show
their appreciation.
The exuberance the Turners show
when they see their new home is heartwarming and conveys a sincere appreciation
for this gift from their community and the blessedness in receiving this
opportunity. The Turners will undoubtedly continue to be positive role models
for their community, and it is always nice to see such uplifting examples of
leadership on television. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition continues to
maintain its high level of positive and entertaining programming.
Best TV Show
of the Week
The Parents
Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
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