By Erin Kelleher
MTV has done a great thing by taking a momentary break from the predictable California rich-kid drama.
The entertainment value in watching attractive, promiscuous and shallow kids wallow in their problems is plummeting and apparently is being recognized by networks; the response-MTV’s newest edition to the reality TV family, “Juvies.”
“Juvies” delves into the experience of what happens when juveniles are sent to correction facilities for a violation of a law.
The story commences with what landed the teen in the detention center, or at least their side of the story. Then the entire experience of winding up in a juvenile detention center is documented with interviews with the juvenile, his or her family and clips of events like the hearing and family interaction at home.
At first the idea of this sounds incredibly entertaining and appealing.
It really can’t be stated enough how much MTV had to break from their typical superficial entertainment. Finally there is a show involving situations that every kid growing up might deal with. “Juvies” also may be able to supply MTV’s lineup with some substance by providing documentation to prove that the decisions of teenagers can render serious consequences.
Unfortunately, this concept seems to have taken an ugly turn.
Basically, this is one of the most depressingly real things viewers will ever witness in MTV broadcasting history.
For one, the judge is incredibly harsh. Of course this is completely understandable, because in the grand scheme of things, it is in the best interest of getting the young lives of those sentenced on the right path.
On the other hand though, it can be difficult to watch sometimes.
Kids fall apart, and so do families. Some kids want go home, and some don’t. Some parents welcome their child to come home, and some won’t. Some kids don’t even have a home.
The premiere episode observed Sarah, a 16-year-old from Indiana who was locked up in Indiana’s Lake Country Juvenile Facility for attempting to run away with her friends to live in Texas.
The show really set a precedent for the rest of the season with what could be considered one of the most heartbreaking stories televised.
Sarah was first told by her mother she was going to be taken off the runaway list, but sure enough as soon as she was found she was arrested. Feeling somewhat betrayed by her mother Sarah was furious.
Hopes are briefly lifted when Sarah receives a box containing new shoes from her mother, and at the bottom of the box is a long letter. The facility’s guard spots the letter and is forced to take it since it is not mentioned on the property list.
Sarah’s heart, and any viewer with the ability to sympathize, is crushed at that moment.
The story does not get any better either.
Good lesson? Yes. Entertaining TV? Maybe. Something that one would want to watch every Thursday night? Probably not.
It is clear that MTV is attempting to use an innovative technique to dissuade teens from making bad decisions that could jeopardize their future.
This is applaudable, and maybe even a good idea. Most of the time while watching an episode of “Juvies,” depression, not curiosity, traps the viewer in their couch.
It’s pretty easy to pick up on the pattern that the show almost always ends in heartbreak.
But MTV is definitely in need of some sort of positive influence on young adults’ lives. After all, most of their shows, especially the dating shows, exploit and even somewhat promote trashy behavior.
In that way “Juvies” is a commendable step forward for the network in making a show actually based on reality. Only watch this show if you’re ready to spend an hour watching teens pay for their mistakes that can, and mostly do, ruin their lives.
-Erin Kelleher
