I’m not a huge fan of reality programming. Yes, there are
always exceptions to the rule but for the most part shows of this nature either
place people in jeopardy in situations they would never attempt except to find
fame and fortune or they feature the wealthiest yet worst behaved
self-proclaimed celebrities to be found. Fortunately there are a few reality
shows that offer obviously scripted reality shows that contain enough reality
to give us a glimpse into the real lives of people while at the same time knowing
with a nudging wink that it isn’t totally this way. WHALBURGERS is one of those
shows.
For those who’ve not watched the series yet it’s about the
Wahlberg family from Boston, the two most famous of which are of course Mark
who has starred in numerous movies and Donnie who not only acts in things like
the series BLUE BLOODS but was a member of New Kids on the Block way back when.
With the creation of this series other family members have become just as well
known, in particular their mother Alma and their brother Paul.
Paul runs the Whalburgers restaurant that the family created
in Boston. As the series has progressed so has the claim to fame of the
restaurant which is in the process of growing and branching out to other
cities, one of the running stories in the series with both brothers making life
miserable for Paul, a born worrier. As he runs both the franchise’s first
location as well as the nearby Alma Nove, the more high end restaurant the
family owns, his two famous brothers find time to give him grief whenever
possible. It’s not bad things they do but more along the lines of pranks.
At the center of the show though it’s about family and the
love that this family shares for one another as well as their friends. Where
some people might achieve stardom and leave everyone behind, the Wahlberg
brothers have made sure to take care of family and friends to this day. That’s
what makes this series so enjoyable. It’s the affection they all have for one
another coupled with the pranks they play that makes them feel more accessible
than most stars. This is a family that remembers where they came from.
In the second season there are several episodes that stand
out. The first one for me is when Donnie is on tour with the New Kids reunion
tour in England and his fiancé (now wife) Jenny McCarthy calls Paul and asks
him to come visit since Donnie is homesick. When he arrives it surprises Donnie
and brings forth a well of emotions that his brother would drop everything to
come cook for him and the gang.
Another episode has a current pop band show up to the
restaurant. Paul knows that his daughter is a big fan of the group MKTO and
uses his influence to get her a chance to meet the band. A father and daughter
evening is the result and once again the affection this family has for one
another is displayed for all to see.
I have little doubt that there aren’t tensions that arise
between family members in the Wahlberg clan. All families have those moments. I
also have no doubt that we won’t be seeing those on the series, but that’s fine
by me. In a world where there is so much wrong going on it’s nice to see a
family that’s not as dysfunctional as most in reality TV programming. It’s not
quite the Walton’s but that’s just fine. In fact it might be better. While we
all might not be able to relate to the world tours or the premiere screenings
of our latest sibling’s movie release, we can relate to the affection we have
four our families. That’s what makes this show work.
I doubt that I will ever meet anyone involved in this show.
I doubt that I will ever make my way to Boston or any of the other cities where
one of their restaurants will open. But I know that with this release on DVD I
can always pop a disc in and have a laugh, appreciate the love the family has
for each other and end up with a smile on my face. If only more “reality” TV
were this way rather than the trash most of it has become.
Click here to order.
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