Amish In The City: Episode 3
Are The Sharks Happy?
By Evan D. Baltz
August 12, 2004
I am still trying to switch gears from having laughed hysterically watching the finale of Joe Schmo 2, so I kept watching this episode of Amish in the City expecting Derek Newcastle to come out and announce a "Falcon Twist." But alas it was not meant to be.
This episode opens with several of the Amish continuing to contemplate whether or not they will return to the Amish life after their rumspringa-which still sounds like some kind of alcoholic beverage to me. Jonas talks about how in the Amish world education past the eighth grade is thought of as worthless and thus discouraged. It sounds as if the Amish use it as a tool to manipulate their people into being a little less than fully educated and therefore continually dependant upon the community. All of the Amish kids seem to feel that they would like more education and Jonas asks for some books so that he can study to get his GED.
The first field trip sends the whole group downtown to skid row in Los Angeles. The Amish can't believe how many homeless people and street people there are in the area. After a brief tour of the hood, they go to a local mission and hear some of the stories of the local residents. Gang members talk about how it was all they ever knew growing up. They didn't know there was any other way of life. The Amish could relate to those stories, having some of the same feelings about their upbringing. Next, they headed out back to an ally and helped clean it up. Not sure how that was really a great help to people but so be it. The city kids didn't look too thrilled about the event, and the Amish were more willing to do the work.
Next, they all went to Whitney's hood in south central L.A., to join her family for a backyard BBQ. Everyone seemed to really have a great time. Whitney's uncle had a good chat with Ruth, and learned a lot about the Amish way of life. I think it was an eye opening experience for all. Ruth wished that her family was as close as Whitney's. Mose, who seems to enjoy almost everything, was also surprised by the real sense of family.
The next field trip had the group going to a local aquarium. Most of the Amish had not seen sharks and other sea creatures up close before. Nick kind of mockingly said, "Ruth has never seen a shark before." As if Ruth has never seen ANYTHING before. We were also able to "enjoy" the return of Ariel's continuous and brainless rant against anything to do with animals. She badgered the aquarium's staff about whether or not the sharks were happy in their tank. She said she "knew" that they weren't because she could sense it. Oh please! Could she sense everyone else's disgust with her idiot statements? From the look of things, it seems like she would be the last person to turn to for advice on happiness. She always looks as if she just took a bite out of a lemon. I will venture to bet that the sharks are a million times happier than she is in her self constructed tank of stupidity. Kevan astutely commented that Ariel is in for some harsh reality in the real world. Nicely put.
Following the frolic with the fish, the whole group gathered at a local restaurant to celebrate Miriam's birthday. As a surprise an Amish friend and cousin of hers showed up. Miriam seemed very pleased to see her best friend from home.
Following the birthday celebration, which Miriam said was her best ever, the group visited the Hollywood walk of fame. Then they were split into groups of guys vs. girls and given a challenge. The group that could find three specific stars first and snap a group photo and then return would win a night out. Reese and his pit stains and Liza Minnelli sunglasses took the lead for the boys (wait, was Reese on the right team?). The girls won however and were able to go out to a nice restaurant. Everyone ordered rather expensive items, but Ruth opted for a pizza. When they returned home and the guys asked how the evening was, they got a kick out of the fact that Ruth ordered a pizza when everyone else was ordering filet mignon. Ruth took this personally and stated that she was getting pissed off with all the jokes about her. Mose came to her comfort and remarked how he thought the city life was very difficult and you couldn't really trust anyone. You just had to stand up for yourself.
I guess Ruth's way of standing up for herself was to go and get her belly button pierced. The next day Ruth and Meagan went to the tattoo parlor and Meagan added to her belly tattoo the word "Rock" with flames coming out of it. Gee, how cool. Ruth on the other hand, opted for the belly button ring. Apparently that is the ultimate sign of "I can do whatever I want to do."
For next week, we are given a peak at what might be a budding romance between Nick and Ariel. Nick, some advice, just back away dude. Fenway Franks are not on her approved eating list. Now that sounds like a Joe Schmo reference. See how hard it is to not think about that show!
Evan is a Web Designer and Corporate Training Specialist by day, and a Reality TV junky, author, and movie reviewer by night.
You can write to Evan at RealEvan@RealityTVCalendar.com
They Were Cast, Why Not You? - Get RTV Casting Call Notices In Your Email Box.
Reality TV Calendar will send you the latest casting calls as soon as they are released. Calls are often short notice with short deadlines. You need to make contact immediately. You can't do that unless you have immediate notification of the call. Now only $7.95.
Click here for more information. Or click the Buy Now Button to subscribe now.
