Channel Surfing: Secret Millionaire

Since we had our cable television disconnected, we’re more purposeful about watching TV. We rarely park ourselves in front of the tube and channel surf the way we used to. Usually when the TV is on, we’re watching a movie on Netflix, a TV show on Hulu, or watching a DVD. But last night we did surf, and stumbled across a new show – Secret Millionaire. It seems the networks are trying to capitalize on the Extreme Home Makeover “feel good TV” phenomenon.

Challenged with living on minimum wage, the millionaires will immerse themselves in situations beyond their comprehension. They work with with community members and befriend those in need. Then they decide who of their new-found friends, neighbors or co-workers should ultimately receive their extraordinary gifts, at least $100,000 of their own money.

Well, based on the episode last night, they’re not “challenged with living on minimum wage.” They are put up in housing that isn’t up to their usual standards. Last night’s millionaires – owners of the Raising Cane chicken franchise – had “only” $107 to last them six days! Quelle horreur. They went to the grocery store, learned they’d approached their budget and had to put some back so they’d have enough cash to get through the week. That’s really embarrassing; I’ve done that too. But that’s nothing but poor planning. Groceries – including paper goods and cleaning supplies – for two can be had for a lot less. You just have to think about what you’re doing. In any event, that part was kind of lame; the idea was to drill into their heads how the proles live and I guess that was accomplished.

Next they went out and found some volunteer work, in order to select the people or charities to which they’d give money.  We proles get to enjoy seeing some rich folks have a reality check, the rich get to feel magnanimous, and some deserving charities get an unexpected windfall. It’s a bit overdone – in six days and encountering a variety of people, they did not have the time to make the emotional connection implied when they “confess” that they’re really wealthy. They act completely repentant for lying to this people, then give a large donation.

If I were producing the show, I’d make it more realistic. They’d have to live a month in those circumstances, get a real job, and take the time to really connect with people.  Still, it wasn’t a bad show… and like Extreme Home Makeover, it may improve.  (Remember the first few shows, when they were all egomaniacs, constantly argued with one another, and the homeowner didn’t have a particularly compelling story?)  We’ll probably watch this a few more times to see if it gets any better.