Looking through the episode guide posted on TLC, I noticed that many upcoming episodes feature problems between Matt and Amy.
Here are some of the lowlights:
In the episode that was filmed on Mother's Day weekend/the twins' birthday, Matt announces that he's taking a trip to Hawaii by himself, so Amy ends up taking the kids on a camping trip.
In another, much like on the riverboat cruise, Matt leaves a family vacation early. There are a couple episodes like this, in which it's Matt vs. Amy and the kids. (Never a good sign.) In one, Matt plans a Caribbean sailing vacation on a week that Amy can't get off work and that divides the family (I'm guessing as usual that it's 5 vs. 1). It goes on to say, "Upset that it won't be a true family vacation without his mom, Zach leads the charge to mutiny against his dad."
Episode 18 is rather disheartening, as well. It reads, "As Matt and Amy's relationship continues to deteriorate, Matt slips into midlife crisis. His spending goes over the top and he buys two Mercedes sedans at a time when he's still paying off their big home remodel."
Fortunately, there still are some shows that don't necessarily focus on the couple's relationship, including a few dealing with the boys' schooling, soccer, and Molly and Jake (only one episode apiece for the younger two, of course).
I am hoping the network is playing up the tension, but it seems as though there are far too many instances in which the marriage experiences strain. Maybe things will change when the cameras go away. I'd hate to see this family self-destruct. It seems that instant fame and wealth can change people, or at the very least bring out their selfish desires.
(Check out the epi guide at http://tlc.discovery.com/fansi...ason-5-episodes.html)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
First week's episodes: A lot of discussion about divorce (gulp!)
Seeing the Roloff family in its first two episodes of season 5 last night was a bittersweet experience. It's great having them back in the regular TLC lineup again (giving us a much needed break from Jon and Kate and the eight), but I was stunned that there was so much talk about divorce, whether jokingly or semi-seriously.
In the "Molly's Castle" episode, Matt decides to finally finish the castle after years of procrastination. Only problem is that it costs a handsome ransom to complete, and it causes Amy to question Matt's other plans involving the family's expenses along with their futures.
In the second of the two episodes, the boys and Molly prepare to attend the high school winter formal. Although a bit less contentious, Matt and Amy are shown bickering over little things. And the final scene in the restaurant, where the couple has a meal while the kids are at the dance (no mention of where Jacob is), is a bit uncomfortable to watch--as the couple discuss their future plans, which apparently are not in complete alignment.
These two episodes, coming on the heals of the announcement of the demise of Jon & Kate Plus 8 (or Kate Plus 8, as the replacement series was to be called before Jon and his attorneys put the kibosh on the entire deal), make me question TLC's motives. Could the TLC network really have been making an effort to garner some viewers, especially those who were Jon-and-Kate-come-latelys, who may not have been regular viewers of the show, but chose to tune in to see the family fall apart on national TV? Maybe TLC figured that by introducing those viewers to another family experiencing marital tension, those people would stick around to see if the Roloffs self-destruct as well.
If that's not the case, then the Roloff family may also be in trouble, or at least be on a bumpy ride.
My wager is on the theory that the network pieced together as much of the typical stress that comes naturally when couples are experiencing changes in their lives, and when each individual has different dreams and different plans, and a whole different way of looking at life than the other.
Amy mentioned more than once that the twins' being in their last year of high school has caused her to contemplate not only their futures but her own. I think some of that was the impetus to a lot of the bickering. Only time will tell.
In the "Molly's Castle" episode, Matt decides to finally finish the castle after years of procrastination. Only problem is that it costs a handsome ransom to complete, and it causes Amy to question Matt's other plans involving the family's expenses along with their futures.
In the second of the two episodes, the boys and Molly prepare to attend the high school winter formal. Although a bit less contentious, Matt and Amy are shown bickering over little things. And the final scene in the restaurant, where the couple has a meal while the kids are at the dance (no mention of where Jacob is), is a bit uncomfortable to watch--as the couple discuss their future plans, which apparently are not in complete alignment.
These two episodes, coming on the heals of the announcement of the demise of Jon & Kate Plus 8 (or Kate Plus 8, as the replacement series was to be called before Jon and his attorneys put the kibosh on the entire deal), make me question TLC's motives. Could the TLC network really have been making an effort to garner some viewers, especially those who were Jon-and-Kate-come-latelys, who may not have been regular viewers of the show, but chose to tune in to see the family fall apart on national TV? Maybe TLC figured that by introducing those viewers to another family experiencing marital tension, those people would stick around to see if the Roloffs self-destruct as well.
If that's not the case, then the Roloff family may also be in trouble, or at least be on a bumpy ride.
My wager is on the theory that the network pieced together as much of the typical stress that comes naturally when couples are experiencing changes in their lives, and when each individual has different dreams and different plans, and a whole different way of looking at life than the other.
Amy mentioned more than once that the twins' being in their last year of high school has caused her to contemplate not only their futures but her own. I think some of that was the impetus to a lot of the bickering. Only time will tell.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Pumpkin Season Is Open!
The Roloff Farms pumpkin season has begun.
Here is a link to Matt Roloffs' Web site with all the details for visiting the pumpkin patch: http://mattroloff.com/pumpkin/
A shortcut to the details:
Gates are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. until October 31, when the patch closes at 2 p.m.
There is a $2 fee for parking this year.
The two tours are either $6 or $10.
A children's hay maze has been added, free of charge.
The pumpkin fun house created by Sven is back.
Picnicking is allowed on Fridays.
Here is a link to Matt Roloffs' Web site with all the details for visiting the pumpkin patch: http://mattroloff.com/pumpkin/
A shortcut to the details:
Gates are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. until October 31, when the patch closes at 2 p.m.
There is a $2 fee for parking this year.
The two tours are either $6 or $10.
A children's hay maze has been added, free of charge.
The pumpkin fun house created by Sven is back.
Picnicking is allowed on Fridays.
Season 5 Begins October 12, 2009
The new season of Little People, Big World begins on Monday, October 12, '09.
Here is a look at the first two episodes:
King of His Castle?
Ten years after he began building Molly's Castle, Matt is dead set on completing what's become his most drawn-out and costly farm attraction. Amy begrudgingly approves until Matt's budget on the project begins to swell.
Last Dance
Amy helps Molly get ready for her first high school formal dance, but it's a bittersweet experience because it's also Zach and Jeremy's last.
And here are the descriptions of the following week's episodes:
Downhill Dwarf
When Matt's doctor says he'll need major spine surgery within 6 months, he decides to start checking items off his "bucket list." Against Amy's wishes, and despite his declining health, Matt takes Jeremy skiing.
Game Over?
Zach is in his final high school soccer season and due to his dwarfism, this could be his last chance to play competitively in an average-height league. But when poor grades get him benched, Zach must scramble to improve them before the season ends.
Here is a look at the first two episodes:
King of His Castle?
Ten years after he began building Molly's Castle, Matt is dead set on completing what's become his most drawn-out and costly farm attraction. Amy begrudgingly approves until Matt's budget on the project begins to swell.
Last Dance
Amy helps Molly get ready for her first high school formal dance, but it's a bittersweet experience because it's also Zach and Jeremy's last.
And here are the descriptions of the following week's episodes:
Downhill Dwarf
When Matt's doctor says he'll need major spine surgery within 6 months, he decides to start checking items off his "bucket list." Against Amy's wishes, and despite his declining health, Matt takes Jeremy skiing.
Game Over?
Zach is in his final high school soccer season and due to his dwarfism, this could be his last chance to play competitively in an average-height league. But when poor grades get him benched, Zach must scramble to improve them before the season ends.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Upcoming Little People Big World episodes, including a holiday special and the episode dealing with Mike Detjen's passing
There are plenty of exciting episodes upcoming, including a two-episode holiday special on December 15.
The December 22 episodes, however, deal with the passing of dear family friend, Mike Detjen, who was like a brother to Matt and Amy and an uncle to the kids. He passed away in early June. Given how close Mike was to the Roloffs, this should prove to be a difficult show to watch.
December 8, 2008
Little People, Big World Twins at Eighteen
Zach and Jeremy have reached adulthood-sort of. They're 18, but they don't seem ready to leave the nest. Amy prepares a pool party for the twins, but when Matt drags his feet on getting the pool in working order, the whole party is put in jeopardy.
Little People, Big World
Big Sister, Little Brother
Amy joins her siblings in Taos, New Mexico to celebrate her sister's birthday. They ride horses, raft whitewater rapids and experience a Native American sweat lodge, but the fun grinds to a halt when the chaos at the farm finds its way back to Amy.
__________________
December 15, 2008
Little People, Big World
A Roloff Winterland Part 1
It's been over 2 years since both Matt and Amy's families got together, so they invite the Knights and the Roloffs to the farm for an early holiday celebration. Amy attempts to deck the halls and transform their home into a "Roloff Winterland."
Little People, Big World
A Roloff Winterland Part 2
Matt and Amy's families gather for their holiday celebration. Coordinating a meal for 25 guests is a lot to manage. The family get-together includes Matt's brother Sam (a little person), Amy's parents Gordon and Pat, and a guest appearance by Santa.
-----------------------
December 22, 2008
Little People, Big World
Friend of the Family
Family friend Mike Detjen is as involved with the Roloff family as he's ever been: building a new trebuchet, coaching the twins' soccer team. But when a heart condition suddenly takes Mike's life, the family must face coping with the loss of their friend.
Little People, Big World
Death in the Family
In the aftermath of losing their dear friend Mike Detjen, the Roloff family recalls his special place in their lives. They prepare for his funeral and turn an already planned housewarming party into an emotional get-together to honor his memory.
The December 22 episodes, however, deal with the passing of dear family friend, Mike Detjen, who was like a brother to Matt and Amy and an uncle to the kids. He passed away in early June. Given how close Mike was to the Roloffs, this should prove to be a difficult show to watch.
December 8, 2008
Little People, Big World Twins at Eighteen
Zach and Jeremy have reached adulthood-sort of. They're 18, but they don't seem ready to leave the nest. Amy prepares a pool party for the twins, but when Matt drags his feet on getting the pool in working order, the whole party is put in jeopardy.
Little People, Big World
Big Sister, Little Brother
Amy joins her siblings in Taos, New Mexico to celebrate her sister's birthday. They ride horses, raft whitewater rapids and experience a Native American sweat lodge, but the fun grinds to a halt when the chaos at the farm finds its way back to Amy.
__________________
December 15, 2008
Little People, Big World
A Roloff Winterland Part 1
It's been over 2 years since both Matt and Amy's families got together, so they invite the Knights and the Roloffs to the farm for an early holiday celebration. Amy attempts to deck the halls and transform their home into a "Roloff Winterland."
Little People, Big World
A Roloff Winterland Part 2
Matt and Amy's families gather for their holiday celebration. Coordinating a meal for 25 guests is a lot to manage. The family get-together includes Matt's brother Sam (a little person), Amy's parents Gordon and Pat, and a guest appearance by Santa.
-----------------------
December 22, 2008
Little People, Big World
Friend of the Family
Family friend Mike Detjen is as involved with the Roloff family as he's ever been: building a new trebuchet, coaching the twins' soccer team. But when a heart condition suddenly takes Mike's life, the family must face coping with the loss of their friend.
Little People, Big World
Death in the Family
In the aftermath of losing their dear friend Mike Detjen, the Roloff family recalls his special place in their lives. They prepare for his funeral and turn an already planned housewarming party into an emotional get-together to honor his memory.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Amy Is Grand Marshal of CMU parade
Amy Roloff was chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the Central Michigan University homecoming parade October 11. Amy is an alumna of CMU. She graduated with a business degree in 1985.
In an article in the Portland Oregonian, Amy says , "It's overwhelming to be chosen as grand marshal. I would have never thought this would happen," Roloff said. "It's exciting. CMU means a lot to me, and as the years go by, you're a lot more reflective. It's an honor and a privilege."
In an article in the Portland Oregonian, Amy says , "It's overwhelming to be chosen as grand marshal. I would have never thought this would happen," Roloff said. "It's exciting. CMU means a lot to me, and as the years go by, you're a lot more reflective. It's an honor and a privilege."
New Season Begins October 13, 2008
It's finally here: the much-anticipated fourth season of Little People, Big World.
The season opener brings Matt to Iraq to visit two little people whose condition can be fatal.
As stated on the TLC Web site:
Little People, Big World: Operation Iraq TV-PG, CC When Matt Roloff learns of dwarf children in Iraq who need medical intervention, he makes the difficult, dangerous journey into Baghdad to find the family, befriend them, and get photos and x-rays to bring back to America for evaluation.
As many of you know, Mike Detjen, Matt's business partner and family friend, died last June. He experienced a torn aorta and was rushed into emergency, but did not make it. Some have speculated that the death of Mike occurred while Matt was in Iraq. Nothing so far has been mentioned by TLC regarding airing a special dedicated to Mike or even how Mike's death will be dealt with on the show. Maybe we will learn more on the season opener on October 13.
We wish Mike's family well. We know from watching the show how much he meant to the Roloff family.
The season opener brings Matt to Iraq to visit two little people whose condition can be fatal.
As stated on the TLC Web site:
Little People, Big World: Operation Iraq TV-PG, CC When Matt Roloff learns of dwarf children in Iraq who need medical intervention, he makes the difficult, dangerous journey into Baghdad to find the family, befriend them, and get photos and x-rays to bring back to America for evaluation.
As many of you know, Mike Detjen, Matt's business partner and family friend, died last June. He experienced a torn aorta and was rushed into emergency, but did not make it. Some have speculated that the death of Mike occurred while Matt was in Iraq. Nothing so far has been mentioned by TLC regarding airing a special dedicated to Mike or even how Mike's death will be dealt with on the show. Maybe we will learn more on the season opener on October 13.
We wish Mike's family well. We know from watching the show how much he meant to the Roloff family.
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