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Rooting for a family
I've known for weeks that the season premiere of Jon & Kate Plus 8 was going to be shown Monday. I had my TIVO set and ready to go. Like millions of others, I've been following all the tabloid reports of cheating and marriage trouble.
I was in for a rude awakening. Last night's episode wasn't just watching a TV show. It was like watching a car wreck and it was heartbreaking. Should we applaud Jon & Kate for giving us all a candid look at what happens when a marriage is in trouble? Or should we chastise them for selling their marriage and family up the river?
There is no doubt that Kate and Jon have profited off documenting their family on national television. They are reportedly making $75,000 per episode, they’ve gotten several free trips, they’ve moved to a secluded home that is priced at over a million dollars, and Kate has made a transformation into a hot mama. Sadly, it seems this has had an impact on their marriage.
I’m a fan. I love the show. I’ve been watching it since it started. A friend suggested that I take part of the blame for their marriage falling apart. I helped rocket them to stardom by watching religiously.
The whole thing was sad to watch, particularly scenes from the kids birthday party where Jon and Kate nary said a word to each other. I felt the tension all the way into my living room.
What I won’t do, that everyone else seems to be doing, is throw stones. Do I think they’ve had a hell of a deal? Yes, of course I do. Could I turn down that much money for a glimpse at my family’s life? I’d be lying if I said yes. I’m not sure what I would do.
So I say quit bashing them. Unless you have lived a mistake-free life, zip it. I for one hope they make it. I hope they prove everyone wrong and come out stronger in the end.
Comments
I am also a fan of the show. Having one child, the same age as the sextuplets, really peaked my interest. I have one child for a reason. It's all I could ever handle. Which is some of the fascination of the show. I also enjoyed seeing their "real" stuff. Jon coming home from work. The house is crowded. Playing in the driveway.
All that is gone. The house is huge. The show is now their job. Next thing we know, the kids will be shipped off to boarding school! Not what I fell in love with.
It really broke my heart when the little girl was hugging daddy at the birthday party, and told him to never leave again. Oh, how sad.
I'm not a fan of the show, though I've seen it here and there and obviously haven't been able to avoid the "news" about this couple lately. It's sad and it's unfortunate, but it's also self-inflicted. These people invited cameras into their lives and then have the audacity to express shock and anger when other cameras take aim.
The pathetic part is their children, who had no say in the matter and are being exploited for entertainment - and money. "Reality" television has just run amok; the jaded part of me wouldn't be surprised if all this upheaval was a ratings ploy.
I hope they make it. Just like I hope every marraige makes it. But really, doesn't this country have bigger fish to fry? I'll be sticking with my fuddy-duddy fave, "Law & Order"