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Marysafan
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:42 am
I wasn't too happy that Jonathan was banished from the house that he felt was his home and by the people he thought were like his family. I was definitely not happy with new Mrs.Govenor. She sure did like "putting on airs" didn't she? I loved Jonathan's play "The 99 years of servitude." Loved the new Company man, and loved the way he unsettled the colony...and got their rears in gear. Bet they wished they hadn't been sleeping in so much earlier.
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Ark
Member
07-10-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:44 am
I can't remember if my information came from the actual program or if I read it at PBS. Bethany's boyfriend & brother were in the same accident. Her boyfriend was killed and her brother was seriously injured. When the family returned to the colony, Amy stayed with her seriously injured brother to help with his recuperation. (I thought it odd that they would leave the youngest to do this job). Amy's need for "hospital treatments", resulted in the family leaving the colony for the second time.
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Whoami
Member
08-03-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 12:27 pm
I'm glad I wasn't the only one who got bad vibes about the Heinz's. I tried to mention it to Mom last night and she just kinda gave me a blank stare. Wasn't sure if I was just being a crank about them, or if Mom was just so bored with the show she was zoning out. We should have been forwarned from the beginning, when Don questioned the authority of Jeff, asking him something to the effect of "are you going to be making all the decisions then?" I remember Jeff just kinda going, "ummmmm, I'm the Govener." Ahem...as is YES you fool! I think the Wyers are the only ones who went into this project with the gusto and intent to live it as intended. How unfortunate it was also them whose outside lives suffered the most, and called them back. I could tell what a hard decision it was. I couldn't help but think the Heinz's were looking at their farewell speeches, and the goodbyes on the beach thinking, "LEAVE already!" I couldn't help but chuckle over the Company Merchant. The Heinz's were quite incensed to have someone come in and step on thier toes, eh? I guess that's where Colonial times are just like today in the corporate world. Just when someone starts strutting around as the big rooster on campus, someone comes in from corporate headquarters to remind you that you still answer to someone with britches much bigger than your own. They played the role of Middle Manager quite well though. Complain to the cameras that he will surely come in and muck things up, since upper level managers naturally have no clue how to run things. Then turn around and kiss his royal behind to his face, and use up the Colony's scant resources to throw him a feast. I like the Company Merchant too. He really rolled his sleeves up and got dirty right along with the rest of the workers, while Don stood off to the side with is arms folded across his chest and watched. Has Don lifted a finger at all to work throughout this project?
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Spunky
Member
10-08-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 1:43 pm
Yes, didn't you see him chopping that wood? For his age he didn't do that bad, he did split that log, didn't he? I had a chuckle... but that's the only thing I saw him do for the colony. Yet, as the new governor I did expect him to continue with his arms folded across his chest and watch the others work. His wife got the ball rolling nicely though, I could see her 21st organizational skills at work. I wonder if in 1628 she would have had "home decorator"'skills. That Company Merchant was news to me as well, (I have to study colonial life at PBS to know more), I thought the governor would reign supreme, never expected someone else to come in and check up on him. So, that was a nice surprise. But hey, looks like under his governship the colony will be a success, good crops and profits. The women's meeting was also a good move by the governor's wife (it seemed to me that the previous one kept to herself and her family), and I was thinking it was because of the 21st business mind of those women. However, when the narrator said that one woman did the same back in the 17th century and was accused of plotting against the men (can't you see how nasty those times really were)and was kicked out of the colony, I was surprised as well. And I liked when the governor's wife said something like.."we're having these problems because these people don't want to adapt to 17th century rules". So, it's the same old story, when you enjoy a better social status it's easier to adapt but are less understanding of those who are worse off. Maybe it came more natural in 1628 to submit to imposed rules and only a few rebelled with dire consequences. The show does not have too much punch because they are all being "too nice", if there were more punishments and closer to those of 1628, we could see stronger reactions and surely more drama. Then, the fact that they can leave when it gets too tough or their ego or pride would suffer I can see how my admiration for the real Colonial people is ten-fold... none for these 21st wannabes.
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Gigglesalot
Member
08-14-2003
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 1:51 pm
I totally understand what Penpoint and others have pointed out about the participants were picked for disharmony as well as participation. I understand that 'the point' is to show the unfairness of the society at that point in time. We know that women were treated as subservient and that there were also servants to the gentry who were treated as their station was in life – as a servant. I think the key phrase is “were treated”. In this program we see Michelle Voorhees unhappy with what is expected of her - whether it be that is she is to cook, clean, launder, etc or go to church. She would not have had the freedom to publicly voice her unhappiness in 1628 – but in 2003 she can. With this program we’re supposed to be able to see, in person, what the trials and tribulations would have been to have been born and raised 400 years ago and compare that life with what we’re used to now in the 21st century. However, because of how some of the participants have acted, we haven’t seen a true representation of what it would have been like in 1628. I know I wouldn’t want to see a ‘re-enactment’ but I do think it was extreme to have the women go to their men folk and demand equal rights. I’m sure Equal Rights started sometime around the time of Adam and Eve so it’s not a brand new concept in 1628, but I find it highly discreditable that the woman in 1628 Plymouth would have had so much ‘say’ or that they would have been as defiant of the rules of the government.
quote:THE LAWS OF THE COLONY The governor and the other colonists received a book of laws of the colony. In reality, colonists would not have received such paperwork, but all colonists back then would have understood the laws of England, and would have known they were in effect. The law book served as a reminder to them of how they were expected to behave, and what the penalty could be for transgressors. The laws were not comprehensive, but provided a range of offenses that gave the governor a framework for running the colony. The governor also had a facsimile of an an early 17th-century book of English common law, Michael Dalton's COUNTREY JUSTICE (1619), to help him, particularly for those many incidents not covered in our book of laws. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/about_rules.html
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 5:08 pm
My tape cut off the end of this last night, the Heinzes bug the heck out of me!! Actually I don't find too many of the cast that I like and two of them left (the black woman and the black man, unfortunately).
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 5:26 pm
I agree that many of them aren't even trying..
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Dahli
Member
11-27-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 7:29 pm
Thanks Lurk and Ark, I feel better now....
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Emmy
Member
05-05-2004
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 8:38 pm
After reading these posts I don't feel so bad that I fell asleep so fast last night when I turned this program on. Thanks, posters!
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Willsfan
Member
09-04-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 8:45 pm
I found it strange that they interviewed only some of them after they were back home, or maybe I missed it. OETA (my PBS station) kept messing up...the picture would go black then come back on. Good thing I wasn't that spellbound. I kept flipping back and forth to watch AI but I have lost interest there too. If they had cast more people like Jack (the company man) perhaps it would have been more entertaining. More conflict|jealousy| and people getting up before 9 or 10 in the morning. I liked Jack, he should have been the Gov. to start with but that would have been a perfect character for him and apparently they were going for Baptist preachers and not CEOs. Boy, Gov Heinz sure did a lot of standing around with his arms crossed, and that voice...eek. I was just getting used to it and the show ends. LOL
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 8:47 pm
Emmy it is just that PBS guilt trip... that makes you feel like somehow it has to be good.. I was watching tonight's segment awhile ago but realized I was ignoring it to read all the reports from the Chicago gathering.. so I switched to ignoring American Idol cuz I can hear the singing at least. And keep on reading.
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Lurknomore
Member
07-07-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 9:55 pm
I tuned into tonights episode late (as I had no clue the end was actually on tonight and as flipping channels lol). I actually found it...or what I saw of it...the most interesting so far. When I got there a bunch of Native Americans had arrived (funny how I commented I felt they should have played a larger presence, as they would have in real times) and it really was quite interesting. Was sorry I missed the initial intro. And the transformation back to 2004 (or 03 or whenever they filmed) was hysterical. What a riot, them in the store dressed like that. And what's his name grabbing beer...some things never change LOL. But the hotel and at home conversations were great. Now see this is exactly when I would have liked to have seen ALL of the life today commentary. It fit perfectly here. Of course there seemed to be folks missing from that segment and I wondered if it was by choice or time contraints. The funniest thing was how amazingly different they all looked except for Mr. Heinz. ROFLMAO. Not one bit of difference. Odd folks IMHO. I've met their type and they usually annoy me. But she did clean up better at least lol. All in all I'm am disappointed because I think this had all the potential to be fascinating (something so many other shows we chat about here lack) and they still blew it. Bummer. They are doing some special even with the cast at Plymouth Plantation. It disappoints me that I'm about half an hour, maybe 40 min away and really don't care. I want to care! Well maybe I could go and ask them to explain why they bothered if they weren't gonna even try to live by the rules. Oh I'd be loved
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Pirate
Member
06-20-2002
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:03 pm
I do believe that it was mentioned that since slavery had not started yet it was not uncommon for a black man or woman to be amongst those that came over to work in the colonies. I was a little surprised that Daniel left early because of the comments he made that because of his experience he no longer refers to himself as an African-American but an American of African decent. I know the evil white man did many things the wrong way when they came over to this country to start a new life, but to come was inevitable. People from all over are still coming to America to start a new life. I was born in Miami and I was 11 years old when the first Cuban freedom flight landed. My family moved when we were the last English speaking people on the block. I now live in a city that when you're out and about you constantly hear different languages being spoken. There are many communities where I live now that you see no English signs. Even the billboards are in Spanish, Korean, Chinese, or Vietnamese. I was also disappointed at how difficult it was for them to not bring the 21st century thinking into their daily lives. I think they should have had to live at least partially through the winter. After four months they were just beginning to get a feel for what the people endured.
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Penpoint
Member
03-27-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:22 pm
In my opinion, Colonial House was an excellent series, wonderful reality TV that wasn't a cheesy contest. No one won a million dollars, but they all had an adventure in time and they took us along. What some saw as boring and disappointing would have truly been a real sleep-inducer had the cast been any more 17th Century compliant. This had the perfect mix of both centuries and the characters were quirky, sincere, and real.
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Whoami
Member
08-03-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:27 pm
A little OT, Penpoint, is that your cat in your profile? He's beautiful!
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Penpoint
Member
03-27-2001
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:33 pm
Thanks, Whoami. He's an interesting contrast to your sleek dogs.
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Emmy
Member
05-05-2004
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:40 pm
Had enough PBS guilt to stay awake to watch the end tonight (thanks for pointing that out, Sea). I'm usually pretty easy to please when it comes to TV in general, but wasn't anyone else groaning at the sappy music and the Heinz cry? Am I going to get booed off this thread now?
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Seamonkey
Member
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 11:30 pm
Nah.. I"m starting over watching, hoping I'll pay attention..
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Schoolmarm
Member
02-18-2001
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 12:24 am
Ok, this is really PATHETIC on my part, but one of my two PBS stations is running Colonial House reruns during the wee hours and I'm watching. Alternates with another run of the 1900 House. I really like both shows. It is interesting to see what the people have the most trouble adjusting to in their new time period. I should be asleep, but it's trash day and I can't put it out much earlier 'cause the skunks and coons and possums will strew it all over the street. Can't wait to move to "civilization"!
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Luvmyjrt
Member
09-18-2003
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 4:24 am
I finally figured out what was bothering me about the new Governor. Here it is........ HE LOOKS LIKE THE KEEBLER ELF!! Doesn't the Keebler elf live in a tree?

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Lurknomore
Member
07-07-2001
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 8:22 am
writing on imaginary blackboard I know better than to read the TVCH while drinking coffee I know better than to read the TVCH while drinking coffee (I don't know better as to why my font's won't go small and I can't insert smilies, but oh well. Visualize a laughing smilie after I say "Keebler Elf." LOL A reboot will prolly fix but I'm too lazy to retype and cut and paste isn't working either GRRRR). Anyway after reading about the events at Sturbridge Village I truly am tempted to go. How I wish this year it was part of Fleet's free museum May promotion, then I'd def go. Anyway the Voorhee's are going to be there, folks can ask questions (which is how the place is always run) and I have 2 I'd love to. The 1st to them. If they were going to hold true to their 21st century beliefs, why did they sign up for the show? And I'd love to find out exactly what the Colonists signed up for and agreed to. Here's the link if anyone wants to read about the special events. It looks like they are going to be moving 2 of the series homes to the village. http://www.plimoth.org/colonialhouse/programs.asp And if anyone is really interested here is the link that explains what the new exhibit about this show is going to be http://www.plimoth.org/colonialhouse/info.asp Now all that said, where I respectfully disagree with Penpoint is that I feel this show had the POTENTIAL to be absolutely wonderful TV and because of errors in production and what the colonists were allowed, TO ME it really made it far less than it could have been. There is soooooo much junk out there that it just hurts when something with this much potential doesn't live up to it. JMHO. Not in bright red (LOL had to come back and edit in or blue...just noticed the color change today ROFL), but I think fair nonetheless lolol.
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Spunky
Member
10-08-2001
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 9:09 am
Yes, it had great potential but I can see it wasn't easy to get the message loud and clear without running into some dangerous zone and controversial debate. But some fundamental facts came out loud and clear even without trying so hard to illustrate: the coming of slavery, the appropriation of someone's lands (the natives), the religious conflicts, the severity of the laws, all those facts I believe managed to humble the participants and some of them didn't feel very proud about. The governor's wife seemed to pinpoint this very well with her comments. How about those experts?? Mmmm, I couldn't help feeling I wanted to tell them my opinion. Their conclusions seemed obvious even without going to the effort of staging the whole experiment. History books can explain to us the same thing. And I wonder how genuine the experience really was for all of them when they were constantly surrounded by 21st century technology, all those camera pivoting around them must have taken away the real sense of being back in time. The last shot of the series when (behind the scenes) that huge tv camera was shown spoiled the whole thing for me. We, the viewers, could have had a better sense of the "back in time" feeling than those people staring at those cameras all day long. Four months is nothing, they will soon forget the whole thing and maybe wondering if it was just a dream... but then they can watch the tapes over and over and... they may never forget.
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Penpoint
Member
03-27-2001
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 9:27 am
Lurk, I'll be interested to hear how the Voorheeses answer your questions. However, you might consider asking the second question first. Their answer to "what they signed up for and agreed to" may make your first question regarding their "21st Century beliefs" unnecessary -- or it could be a good followup question. I found the Voorhees family to be the most interesting and admirable in the series; although they stuck to their personal principles, they worked to make the overall project a success, witness John's resignation from the advisory council so as not to cause a problem for the the others. And Giacomo was quite mature acting for an 11-year-old. I remain, colorfully yours, Penpoint
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Lurknomore
Member
07-07-2001
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 11:32 am
Pen, if I recall correctly the Voorhees already answered why they signed up. Problem is it was during the first show so it's kinda a blur lol. But I think she said something about really wanting the experience. Which is why I was so confused that out of all of them she is the one who IMHO tried the least to live by 17th Century customs and rules. I agree with the points you made, but it seemed to me (and not sure I would say this to their face) that yes they kept to their principles while working hard, they also were the most responsible for current values/attitudes entering the Colony. My personal feeling is that overall had a negative impact on how things went, although personally (as a person who lives in this century) I respected their views. I just feel that folks who signed up knew what they were agreeing to (to live as a 17th Century Colony) and should have at least tried, whereas they just refused. And I totally agree with you about their son. I loved when the Dad explained how he presented a very intelligent argument of why they should leave LOL. But he came across very mature and like a really good kid. Personally I liked the whole family...just wished they tried to adapt better for the experience. I have another post I wrote before the board went down that I need to post but think I'll do it separately. I wonder if they all will be there the 2nd day, when they don't list which castmembers will be there. But I didn't realize they were from MA. Wonder what town. A friend of mine wants to hit the outlets on Sat, and right now that is sounding VERY tempting lolol. PS ROFLMAO colorfully yours (I rebooted and STILL can't use smilies or colors grrrr).
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Lurknomore
Member
07-07-2001
| Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 11:33 am
Ok me again...here is the post I wrote when the board was down (except I didn't know it was down lol). Then I'll hush for a bit hehe. Spunky I thought about the last part of what you said and not only respectfully diagree, but I think that's what annoyed me such a great deal about this series. 4 months really isn't such a short period of time. I am assuming they worked harder than they ever had in their lives and really suffered without the modern amenities we all take for granted. If you doubt me think about your power and/or your computer or TV etc going out for a day or two. We've all had it happen I know I've felt totally lost. Now imagine 4 months. I don't think it will be forgotten so soon. That said, I felt the show never really captured that, beyond saying how they worked every waking minute. I got more of a sense of it on Oprah (a well produced show) than I did in the entire series). I just wish I taped Oprah, as I was making work calls at the same time and also would like to rewatch it now that I've seen most of the show. I guess I never really FELT as if I was experiencing Colonial life when I watched the show. I felt like folks were living parts of it and discarding parts they didn't like. Hence my objections to folks disregarding the laws, etc. You do raise an excellent point w/the cameras. To even make it worse remember they were given their own private video cams to record at night. I think you may have really pointed out one of the reasons why they didn't fully embrace life in another century...they never totally left ours. One thing I always fail to understand (generally during BB season) is why in this era of invisble hidden cameras all these shows stick huge TV cams in folks faces so they can't forget they are being filmed. They could have built the homes and parts of the village with hidden cameras, same way you can't tell me they can't make them far less visable in the Big Brother house (but that's for another thread lol). But why don't they??? Expense? They don't realize the effect TV cameras have on folks? Dunno.
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