TV and Other Obsessions

I can think of worse obsessions than watching too much TV. And there is no shortage of series that expose, exploit and parade these obsessions for our entertainment.

Case in point. It's easy to feel superior to those unfortunate clutter collectors on shows like Style Network's Clean House. Sweet and sassy host Niecy Nash (Reno 991) and her crew help families see how objects and clutter have taken over their lives and created not just a mess, but an unhealthy atmosphere. After some friendly pressure from the team, the families invariably agree to give up their mess in exchange for a stylish makeover. It's always amazing to see the transformation in the rooms and the attitudes of the family. And while the show sometimes focusses on real emotional moments, this series is played for laughs and the magic of the reveal.

As an amateur pack rat myself, it's a real pleasure to watch a telegenic TV team clean someone else's house while I wipe Cheetos dust onto the sofa and cackle, "my God, what a bunch of slobs!" Of course, these are nice normal folks who just went a little too far. Besides, the way my garage looks, I can't really throw stones. And like eating Cheetos, these episodes are just too delicious to watch just one. The most I've ever watched in a row is five - but hey, I can quit any time I want.

A lot less fun than Clean House (but no less riveting) is Hoarders, the new series on A&E. The subjects of these mini-documentaries are seriously compulsive hoarders who are often close to being removed from their homes by Adult Protective Services. These are truly tragic cases. And the episodes don't end with glamorous makeovers or sometimes even an uncluttered house. A psychologist specializing in compulsive hoarding councils the families while a cleaning crew tries to clean up the mess. Family disfunction, anger and mental troubles are brought to the surface. At the same time, mold, insects and even lost dead pets are uncovered under mountains of clutter. The show devotes only two days to council and clean. Though continued counceling is provided after the crew leaves, we're left with little doubt that the situation won't return to its previous state.

There's no question that we find these shows entertaining. But are they exploitative? Probably. Is it really making a difference? I doubt it. But it's hard to deny that they at least temporarily help these people come to grips with the severity of their situations. And in sometimes, help them avoid being removed by Adult Protective Services. Whether that's really doing them a favor or not will remain to be seen.

So long as Niecy doesn't show up at my house and try to take away my TV, we'll be fine.