TLC Hits & Misses

Remember when VH1 had videos, thus justifying its name “Video Hits One” ? That seems like a mighty long time ago and what’s become of the network now is well, subject for one of their own depressing ‘Behind the Music’ specials. I bring this up because I was thinking about TLC lately- The Learning Channel. Do we still learn from The Learning Children? Did we ever? I’d say,TLC is more edifying than ever since it switched gears from baby stories up the yingyang and Trading Spaces 24-7. There is still a lot of dubious programming on TLC, but I feel like when I watch some shows, I learn some stuff, and I’m also entertained.

JON & KATE PLUS 8
What it’s about: A couple parents one set of twins and one set of sextuplets
What I’ve learned: Make your family work; don’t take fertility drugs

Jon & Kate Plus 8 is not a show I’d have thought I’d watch, but yet, that family of ten sucks me in. I can’t say I love the show, which features a super-sized family, but I like it. I think Kate is a little too intense (and argument with Jon over the kids’ shoes leads to her declaring “Stand with me or stand against me.”) and Jon and Kate sometimes argue like siblings themselves - not to mention a lot of the stuff they show, like Kate and Jon getting their teeth whitened- isn’t all that interesting. But there’s love in this family, and patience, and they seem real and imperfect. And isn’t the whole lure of reality tv seeing how other real-ish people handle their obstacles? I think Jon and Kate handle their kids well and in general, the family seems pretty normal, size not withstanding.

LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD
What it’s about: A family led by little people parents and including one little person teen, navigate the ups and downs of life
What I’ve learned: Little People are SO just like everyone else; stay away from pumpkin throwing mechanisms.

I have to say I like Roloff family of Little People, Big World better than Jon & Kate and their brood - maybe just because I like the kids more. Or they do more. True, the Roloff sibs are a little fresh to their parents sometimes (well, a lot fresh sometimes…) but they seem like basically good small town kids. Little Person teen Zach is probably the most articulate and, as the TLC site indicates, tends to be logical and pragmatic like his mom. Jeremy, his twin, you can see becoming like the dad- living on the farm and coming up with weird projects and inventions. The dynamic between the parents Matt and Amy is maybe my favorite part of the show- Matt must make a good living selling Little People conversion products and running the farm, because they have a ton of land- but he always has these spur of the moment plans - a lot of them quite elaborate. And Amy’s like “What the ….?” The best thing is how Matt has no clue how eccentric he can sometimes be. He’s just 100% optimism and go getter spirit sometimes with amusing results.

What Not To Wear
What it’s about: Two fashion experts convert the stylistically challenged
What I’ve learned: Don’t wear tapered pants; anyone with $5000 and two stylists can look good

I have to say I watch this show waaay too often. I don’t like reruns though, because once you see the fashion sclub of the week after the makeover, well, it’s not too interesting. Stacy and Clinton are funny and helpful even when they’re sarcastic and they don’t take themselves or their task too seriously. There’s a positive “be your best self’ vibe to the series which I also like. It’s not superficial. However, I always wonder how helpful the show is because a lot of people with fashion issues have those issues because they can’t afford $200 jeans. It’s not just about not knowing what colors or accessories to choose. That being said, the advice is sometimes useful- like you can mix and match patterns - who knew?!

Sidebar: I’d pass on the lesser version of this show, the makeover series “Ten Years Younger”; it pales in comparison

Ashley Paige: Bikini Or Bust
What it’s about: a broke purveyor/designer of high-end bikinis tries to make ends meet
What I’ve learned: this is not an entertaining show

You know, every choice in life has a consequence. And if your choice is to make your living designing clothing that few can afford and few can look good in, and this choice makes it hard for you to pay your rent, that’s life. Don’t go on TV and whine with indignation about how your expensive bikinis are worth x amount and it’s horrible that you have to sell them at cost. Times are tough all over and people who pursue their passions need to suck it up. It’s great this woman is trying to be true to her talent; but are TV viewers really interested in hearing about the problems that stem from this attempt? I have to admit I havent seen a full episode of this show, but that’s because when I’ve watched it, she’s been whining and not doing anything too innovative. I’d like to see some creative hustle, not her going to one of her customers and then whining about how she didn’t make much moneny. And why is it so hard for her to pay her rent- isn’t she making money off the show?

Say Yes To The Dress
What It’s About: Staff at a high-end wedding dress store deals with diverse customers
What I learned: Some people spend a crapload of money on their wedding dresses

There’s something I like about this show. I guess it’s sort of like a mini-procedural. Instead of figuring out who the killer is, the solution to the puzzle of the hour is figuring out the right dress. The salesladies of the store are interesting enough to kind of keep things moving and the customers are varied in their tastes and pre-wedding lunacy. The real stars, it could be argued, are all the dresses. I can’t say this is a very educational program, and you really feel like a stereotypical girl watching it, but still, it’s kind of interesting.