Reality Roll Call

(by Deb Porter-Jones) 

Today’s lesson is entitled, “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”

Tonight’s episode opens with the Town Council bringing some mail from home for our little Taylor (what a stubborn child she is; if she doesn’t slow down and listen, she may end up like Brittany).  Taylor promises to do some work around the town if they let her read her mail from home.  The Council adds a condition: if she reneges on her agreement, she forfeits this week’s challenge award is for the town.  Of course, Taylor agrees, and then Taylor reneges (so typically Taylor!). 

The kids are given the option to read some books for this week’s challenge.  Of course, Taylor’s not interested (“I hate to read!” she exclaims in that familiar, spoiled little Texas drawl of hers).  Several of the children actually enjoy learning about the history of Bonanza City, but these aren’t your average children.

 Challenge!

This week’s challenge consists of putting everything the children have learned about Bonanza City into practice.  They are asked a bunch of questions, the answers of which were contained in the history books that they were to read.  They had to use slingshots to hit balloons that listed the wrong answers to the questions. If the kids had enough ammo to fill a large jar after all was said and done, they would get the award for the town. 

Green won Upper Class, Blue won Merchants, Yellow won Cooks and Red won the Laborers.  They were disappointed, but all put forth great effort.  They did end up having enough ammo left over to win the town award, which was awesome.  They had to choose from a collection of books for Bonanza City’s own Library or a totally 100% gratis arcade, outfitted with everything from video games to Dance Challenge to Air Hockey! 

Of course, kids will be kids, and the Town Council chose the arcade.  But was it the right decision?

Taylor finally broke down and did a TON of dishes in order to get into the arcade, with the help of Hunter.  Amazing what that child will do when the right incentive is placed in front of her!  She did what she had to do to get into the arcade, but did she learn a lesson from it?  Methinks not.  But we’ll see. 

Sophia was really upset the next day when it appeared the whole town spent the night in the arcade.  None of the dishes were done and no one made breakfast for the town (a new responsibility which fell on the Yellow team – Blaine’s domain).  Sophia was super-upset (she finds arcades chaotic and prefers the makeshift Bonanza City Library that she made herself).  Blaine and Greg were preoccupied with a game of pool (the results of which they were gambling about – and we thought this was a family show!). 

Sophia and DK expressed some really valid concerns about the town’s preoccupation with the arcade.  None of the work is getting done and it’s getting out of hand.  A decision is made to place a padlock on the arcade until all of the daily chores are completed.  Of course, this isn’t a popular decision, but ultimately everyone seems to understand its importance. 

Hooray!  Hunter wins the Gold Star!  What a great kid he is! His parents should be very proud.  He appears really appreciative and gives props to his Pops!