WAHLBURGERS SEASON ONE: A FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER

There are many people who are major fans of Mark Wahlberg. I'm one of those. I've enjoyed most of the movies he's made and he seems to have a tremendous sense of humor, at times never taking himself as serious as some in Hollywood do. On top of that I've been a fan of his brother Donnie as well. His work on BLUE BLOODS has helped make that one of my favorite shows on TV. Now when I find out that the two of them not only help people in need but help their family as well how can I not like them even more?

WAHLBURGERS revolves around the new hamburger chain that the Wahlberg family has begun in their home town of Boston. The main restaurant is run by brother Paul who went to school for this sort of thing. Not only do they have the hamburger joint up and running, across the street they own a more upscale restaurant called Alma Nove. The name of the restaurant comes from their mother Alma who is also a part of this show.

So what is the show about? It's about the Wahlberg family. I have little doubt that a portion of the show is scripted much like DUCK DYNASTY, but at the same time there is that mix of reality and situational humor that rings true. But it's not just the humor that draws you into this show. It's the Wahlberg family itself.

As depicted here you get a glimpse of what it was like to grow up in this family, a family that had nothing at one time with the exception of a passel of kids. Growing up poor they strived to do better and have achieved success in several fields. Donnie started with New Kids On The Block. Mark became a rapper as Marky Mark and converted that into a chance to act and become a star. And with their financial support, Paul had the chance to open the restaurant he dreamed of. Along the way as the series progresses we meet most of the rest of the family as well. Through it all the brothers do two important things: they give each other a hard time and they support one another. What a great image to offer kids in today's world.

Not only do we get a glimpse at their family life here, or what they're willing to show us, we get to know their personalities as well. Mark seems to be the joker of the bunch, always doing things for a laugh and having fun while offering that support and love to the rest. Donnie seems to me to be the one who is enjoying life to it's fullest (and he's also Alma's favorite, just ask him). Paul is the worry wart, the one who works hard each and every day to make Wahlburgers a fantastic brand name. While Mark busts his chops about opening stores world wide, Paul wants to meticulously insure that each location is perfect. And then there is Alma. How could you not love this woman? She did so much for all of her kids and loves each of them dearly and it shows. In return they've done so much to pay her back for her love and support. She might drive them crazy at times but you better never speak ill of her.

Each episode gives us behind the scenes looks into the lives of these brothers. They also bring into the mix their "cousins" Johnny Drama and Nacho, two of Mark's life long friends. Much of the series ENTOURAGE was based on the antics of Mark and these two. They become loveable characters in the story of the Wahlbergs as well.

While I enjoyed all of the series I think perhaps the stand out episode is "Pauliday". In this episode Donnie decides that Paul deserves more than he's had in the past. He buys a replica of Paul's old car and they drive around the old places they grew up in. In the end he brings in a world renowned chef that inspired Paul to teach him a few things. It completely catches Paul off guard and the surprise is so special. Could it be faked? Maybe. I don't care. For me it rang true. And it displayed the huge amount of affection these brothers have for one another.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most about this series is that it offers something other reality shows don't. It presents each member in a good light rather than make fun of them. On top of that it's entertaining and above all else fun. Sure life has it's ups and downs. But when you see how far this family has come from where they began it means that maybe, just maybe, other families can achieve their dreams as well. What better inspiration can someone receive from a show than that?

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