Hope this is ok. I don't see the epi thread yet.

Yay! I was waiting for someone to post!!

That Zach is wiser than his years. I definitely didn't put 2 and 2 together regarding religion and wars when I was 10! I don't even think it clicked until college.

How are those kids buying that the magic journal seems to mimic Bonanza City's ongoing drama yet again??? I wish Laurel would take that attitude ("we usually don't agree with that the journal says") and *gasp* don't follow it word for word!

I like the idea of one massive service for everyone, if it were to educate each other about the religion, not preach their beliefs. Once discussed, the immediately should have just decided to split the groups up and have seperate services. They could save the educational lessons for another day.

Riiiight, like Alex randomly decided to survey everyone about their religion. I bet the producers were running out of film to fill an hour, so they casually suggested to Alex that he took a poll. "hey buddy. Want some crayons? You can have them, only if you do this teency weency task for us."

Why did the council all stand there together ringing the bell? Does it take 4 people to pull that thing? They should have bene out there at least attempting to bring people in. This isn't Field of Dreams. They can't just expect people to come if they build it, or in this case ring the bell. Funny how the other kids managed to organize a service of their own. Perhaps they DON'T like being bossed around? That's a thought!

Oooh, CBS. Thank you for Jared's meditation clip. You have no idea how much that means to us. Thank you very much! That kid is a riot. I could watch an hour of Jared speak.

So glad and thrilled the council took a majority vote than went with their own. I'm shocked, shocked, shocked the kids chose the Holy books. First no pizza and no golf? These are kids, right?

Cody's letter from his girlfriend felt like a moment from the Real World. Are they serious here? A little kid crying over a girlfriend? How old is Cody anyway? I thought girls are supposed to have cooties until like 12?

"Why are you sitting around taking shots?" Line of the week. Again, these are kids, right???? Wait, Jared's "I want to become a snow man" might take the cake as LOTW.

This is the second week of the Taylor smackdown. I love how vocal the kids are, especially Zach since he speaks the truth. Although, I wouldn't say Taylor is a leader in any form. She's just awful in every way possible.

Ouch, three times is not the charm for Greg. I wonder if his name will come up every week until he eventually gets it? While Morgan was a good choice, I think Zach deserves the award far more than Morgan. It's not like he won't eventually get it, but he really has stepped it up the last 2 episodes.

Im surprised Greg and the older kids didn't go mudslidding with all those puddles right in the center of town. I sure know I would have!

As if they picked religion to be the topic of the week. Not *too* controversial or anything!

Taylor may be a small child, but she is a Bitch Queen.

I get that the producers need to interfere to make the show interesting but shouldn't there be a line? Even on a reality show full of kids? Religion. You just don't go there. I want to smack whomever came up with the idea for this episode.

Lessons Learned:
Kids like religion over goofy golf.
Taylor. “Let ‘em starve!” You go, girl. I see a bright future for you, not as a dictator, but as the much-despised wife of a dictator. *cough**Imelda marcos**cough* Let’s do some shots!
Jared, the Zen master of loony.
Cody. Man up, bro. It could be worse… it could snow… oops…ok, it’s that bad…Uh, buh-bye. We hardly knew ye.
Mike? Isn’t working for the gold star and working for the town the same thing?
The boys knock a few back at the bar and pour one out for the homies who have gone before.
Taylor is history.

Man, if I would have been on that council, I would have said a great big no to the religion idea. Seriously, it's something that a lot of people prefer to do in private, and why start a Jihad over nothing? These diary entries are still just suggestion right?

I also loved that the pioneers couldn't figure out if they should have one big service, or split up services for the different religions. Because, of course there were different religions! It's not like different people were killed or anything!

Yay! Election week next week! Taylor is going to be publically dethroned! Awesome! Let them eat cake indeed.

Thank God there's an election next week. I was prepared to find a time machine and a telescopic-lens BB gun to go Lee Harvey Oswald on this shit.

The kids' little private service was sweet. I liked when that one kid was crying and touched by it, even if some of the religions in residence were clearly out of his experience.

Michael, Morgan and lil' Alex for town council. That little kid is crazy smart.

I felt so bad for Cody(?) and Campbell. Of course you kids can write and email each other! Before losing contact in six months! Give it a shot, boys! I was surprised Campbell readily clung to Morgan; at that age you'd think boys wouldn't, but it was touching.

I love them all downing root beer and trying to affect grown-up mannerisms like it's hard liquor. "I had to go to the saloon and drink a root beer to get my mind off it." And then Campbell sitting there alone with a bottle, then taking a hard shot after reflecting on the loss of Cody. Oh the lulz.

How *CONVENIENT* that the "good book" (not *THAT* one!) just happened to be about religion, the topic all the kids just happened to be talking about. Right.

Did I hear right when they read "this is your second day here..." from the book?

Someone needs to turn down the blusher a notch. Seriously.

That kid claimed he has a girlfriend? WTF?

I hate Taylor so much I just sneer when she comes on now. I don't even feel bad about hating that little bitch. Yes I called a ten year old a bitch. That is what she is. Deal with it! LOL I think Greg kinda screwed himself with the Gold Star. There will always be a kid more deserving then him. He might get the last one though. Zach will be the front runner next week for sure. He is just sooo awsome and I hope he replaces the bitch on the council. Taylor is going to learn next week you don't treat people like crap. There are consequences to bad behavior. She will get hers.

Where did they get the winches for the church-raising? Those were slowest things I've *EVER* seen!

YAY! We finally got some Anjay this week. I really like him, and although I believe that the council will be changed up judging from next week's promos, I hope he still has a big part in the show. And I like Laurel as well. I could do with just replacing Mike and Taylor.

In the beginning, I couldn't stand Jared but I was cracking up when he was meditating. He really is a hoot.

Aww, Campbell. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll see Cody again someday. "Yeah, those are bulls. Let's go over here," I don't know why but that amused me.

I wish we could vote some people off but then it would be much more like mini-Survivor, because Colton is getting on my last nerve.

Loving Zach and I hope him and Greg eventually get a gold star.

Oh and Olivia? You and Taylor can both STFU. I liked her better when she didn't talk.

I cracked up when Cody had a girlfriend...as my mother would say, the kid barely knows how to wipe his ass and he already is in a relationship!

I looved when the kids refused to pander to the host/production and "take a walk." I'm so ready for a full-on revolt.

Cody (9): I miss my girlfriend so much. I need something to take my mind off of her.
Campbell (10): Going to look at cows is fun.
Campbell (10): Wait those are bulls, lets go over this way.

What a dirty mind I have sometimes.

I read his bio. I can see it.

Tonight's episode was fab. I love how Morgan brought everyone together and they shared religions...and I loved how some of the kids were curious enough to read each other's Manual on Life and see the similarites.

Who was the other kids paying respects with Anjay?

And I must profess, again, my love for Sophia. That girl is totally, 100%, her own person. Rawr!

I thought Cody's girlfriend looked a lot like Cody. I wouldn't be shocked if it turned out to be his sister, and he just wanted to look cool. I hope Campbell can keep on truckin' without him.

I hate Taylor. I'm really glad none of the other kids are taking it. I was really pushing for green to win cooks, since I hate seeing the hardest workers make the worst salary. Honestly, yellow isn't going to work regardless of their "title". Even if they were demoted to laborers, they aren't going to labor.

I wish they showed more Michael. Seriously. Get that kid on council or something!

I wish the show was interactive. Greg could be Americas Player! Ha!!

You know, I thought it was really interesting that the kids responded really really badly to the forced "you will learn about other's religions" multi-religious ceremony, but when things were organized on a more personal, grassroots manner, people *were* actually curious about what other people believed and were touched by the interaction (i.e. the guy crying at the prayer service, the Jewish and Christian kid reading Genesis together and the girl, who earlier had yelled "Christians rule!" asking Anjay about what Hindus believe and then taking part in his little service.)

As for Taylor - I kept thinking throughout the entire episode, "didn't that adult guy tell them in the beginning that they could vote their leaders out? Why aren't they doing so?" But, no, things have to be scripted on this show, so the journal will so helpfully suggest an election next week... And BUH BYE Taylor!

I really hope that she's watching this with her parents now and that they have the common sense to explain to her that her actions are really really horrible and spoiled and selfish - but unfortunately, I'm sure it's her parents who have spoiled her in the first place, so I'm sure they have a certain lack of self-awareness about their pagent queen daughter that will blind them to her tyrannical ways) Though, perhaps the fact that their daughter is being broadcast as a bitch to the entire country will shame them into seeing her in a new light and will make them change their parenting ways. One can only hope.

From him profile he strikes me as that type of kid.

I sincerely hope Zach replaces Taylor as the leader of Yellow District because she is seriouly horrible. I feel so bad for Green that they keep losing these challenges. And I don't think the council could have picked a better time to let the town decide their reward. If they had chosen the holy books for them that would have created a permanent fissure between them and the town I think. I'm seriously surprised that so many kids wanted those though. I'm encouraged by the way they ended up handling the religion issue though.

I couldn't help but snicker a little at Colton crying over his girlfriend, but then I realized that was bad of me. I can't say I'm sorry he went home though, he wasn't one of the two members of Yellow District who work. I feel bad for Greg that his chance to win a Gold Star keeps getting foiled. I know he'll get it eventually, but it's sad to watch his face deflate time after time.

I know, right.

Holy Christ on a cross! Religion seriously?

What will it be next week?



Taylor is about to git her ass handed to her on a dirty ass iron plate.

Where was this HUGE reward? Books? Seriously kid, you are at camp!

We got to see Divad, the girl whose momma started the whole NM investigation.

Okay, this is the week the adult interference became too much to bear. They're trying to sell this show as a kid-created world? But they make "suggestions" and impose such limitations that these kids can't do jack.

Why - WHY! - does Taylor continue to get paid? Why does anyone in that group get paid? Zach deserves the entire Yellow Team's salary. But I'm guessing that the kids don't have the authority or mechanisms in place such that they can withhold Taylor's salary.

Too, why at every Town Council does what's-his-face ask the big "Are you happy with the job your town council is doing?" and everyone basically says no, yet no-one is compelled to stage a coup?

I'm sorry, but in what universe would kids really choose religious books over a mini golf course? They chose what they thought they should want. I call foul.

Do you think that Taylor will even see what a little shit she is when she watches herself at some point in the future? How sad that she won't even be embarrassed by it.

A girlfriend? At age 9?? That he cries over?!? Just, please. Give me a break.

They should have offered up the same pizza this week vs. the mini golf.

I wonder if the kids would mind 3 day old cold pizza...that they could heat up in the microwave?

Ok, this one bugged me and made me rather uncomfortable. I do not like how they manipulated these kids to "explore religion." First of all, I don't believe for a second it was a major issue with these kids or any source of conflict before that "journal entry" regardless of those edited clips of kids discussing religion before the council went to read the journal. Also this episode made it somewhat clear to me that the adults behind the show are really encouraging the tyrany of the council. It seems to me that they pretty much *have* to do what the journal tells them.

I also suspect they are whispering stuff in their little ears. Anjay kept saying the kids were "selfish" for not wanting to participate in the service. Seriously, where the f*ck did that sh*t come from?! How do you conclude the unwillingness to participate in a non-denominational religious service (and really, that's a myth, such a thing can't exist) means you don't respect other religions or are unwilling to learn about other religions? I just have trouble believing Anjay came to that weird jump in logic on his own. I have a strong feeling someone might have said to him, "You might expect resistance to this idea; because some of the kids won't want to hear about religions that aren't their own." There's a huge difference between saying "We are going to make everyone get together for one big religious service regardless of everyone's differing personal beliefs," and "Hey, let's get together and try to teach each other something about each of our religions." In the end, Morgan did the latter (and my cynical self suspects with a bit of prompting by the off-screen adults as well.); but the council was clearly told to do the former: "Make the town have a religious service ... or services if you want to separate everyone." I really wanted to cheer when no one showed up for the council's service. It was like they were totally adopting one of their country's greatest premises for their little toy government: Separation of church and state! Truly great Americans all of them.

I was a bit disappointed they ended up choosing the religious books over the mini-golf. Still, it was neat they seemed to use them more for research than worship.

I have to say I'm amazed (and thrilled) to hear that 3 out of 39 (??) kids identified as being atheist. I'm not sure you'd get that many adults to own up as atheists. And on behalf of those of us who *are* atheists, I'm seriously annoyed that this issue was brought up by the producers/show editors at all - to whomever said abortion was next, you're totally hilarious and I really hope totally wrong. But at this point, who knows?

Next week, let's discuss FISA kids - and then you can choose between a playstation or a copy of the Constitution as your prize!

This was the best exchange I've seen on TV in weeks. And exchanges like this are why I have spent my career working with 9-12 year old kids. It's never, ever boring.

I thought the shot of Campbell taking shots and reminiscing was hilarious!! As for Cody, he is all of "9" and he has a girlfriend who he has loved since the third grade?? *scratches heads*, and he is crying over her. WOW, I guess kids really do grow up fast these days, I can understand him crying over his parents but a girlfriend. As for Campbell, looks like Jared will be his new best friend.

Taylor is still the Queen bee, with her own little follower.

I think the kid with the one front tooth (Alex, thanks Nitefall) who took the poll was so cute, especially with the dark glasses.

That's Alex; and I agree. As someone posted, he was probably prompted to do the poll; but it seemed clear he understood how specific the poll should be all on his own. Neat kid.

One interesting tidbit I noted by another kid's comment is that he and Mallory are apparently geniuses. Most of these kids tend to act precocious; but it's interesting how those two were specifically singled out particularly since Mallory tends to be less precocious-acting. Kinda like if you got it you don't fake it sort of thing I think.

Definately digging the continued Zach awsomeness. Jew crew all the way.

Also liked Campbell, first with the bulls (and trying to help out Cody), then in tears when Cody left (adorable), and finally drowing his sorrow in shots of Root Beer (utterly hillarious).

I can't believe they chose holy books over putt putt. That was a definite WTF moment.

Even if he was prompted to survey, I loved when he asked "what kind of jew?" and threw out orthdox as a choice. It's great to know that kids know that each religion may have various sectors.

Yeah the whole thing with the kid and his "girlfriend"...I couldn't help laughing out loud and then I felt bad for doing so but then I just kept reminding myself, "dude, you're 9!!!" Someone should tell him that relationships only get crappier as you get older so if he's this messed up now, he'll be really messed up in his later teen years when the hormones are REALLY out of control.

Seriously I didn't think we'd see anything about romance being that this is a "kid" show but I just assumed that if we did hear anyone mention anything about boyfriends or girlfriends; it'd be the 14 and 15 year olds...since that's more likely.

Episode wasn't the best and yeah if anything is actually really going to turn viewers off from the show is the blatant and constant producer interference and manipulation. If they do have a S2 of this show...the "journal" has GOT TO GO...because seriously, it's plain ridiculous.

I was happy for Morgan and wasn't left feeling cold about this choice like last week (sorry Mallory...don't care how cute you are, still call bullshit on you winning that star). I would have also been fine with Zach...his chasing Blaine down to help him with the dishes was one of my favorite scenes in the episode. For a brief moment, I actually thought Greg would get it tonight only because for once he was so NOT the focus of the episode...he was barely shown.

I was thinking it would be the producers idea of being ironic that when it seemed like he wasn't even a consideration is when he finally wins it...oh well, I'm sure his time will come and yes someone wondered up thread; I believe he'll probably be considered every week until he gets it. Greg will be the Susan Lucci of Kid Nation until his big crowning moment.

Oh Taylor...Taylor; I found the fake, crocodile tears last week nothing but a manipulative attempt to tug at the kids' heartstrings because they were calling her out on her crap but I'll take the fake tears over the smug, smirking, "whatever" attitude. That is one of my pet peeves...people who even when called on their crap walk around unperturbed, smirking and smiling and being smug. Makes me want to just smack the smirk off their faces...I will never condone hitting each other by any of the other kids but something needs to give with her and hopefully it happens next week.



I hear you and maybe it is producer interference but is it also not possible that the kids truly have never even considered that option...that maybe in their minds, you're in this group so you get paid this and they've never even considered, "hey, how about we not pay the little brats, see if that works." Plus who exactly is in charge of the money and passing out salaries...I'm wondering if it's not the council and if it is; again I could definitely see Laurel, Anjay and Mike not even considering that idea. They'll probably think it's too mean but yeah it'd definitely be a good idea to get them to get off their lazy butts.

Speaking of Mike, he never bothered me like he does others and I wasn't too sure if I completely thought he was holding onto some petty grudge against Greg but tonight's episode...yeah, I'm convinced. I wonder how long he'll use that excuse to refuse Greg the star, "well you're working purely for it so that makes you unworthy of it..." WTF? Plus I absolutely don't think for one second, Greg will stop working once he gets the star...the kid seems like he has a really strong work ethic and doesn't seem too opposed to physical labor so I really think he'll work even if they give him the star but tell that to little bitter betty, Mike.

First off the title BLESS US AND KEEP US SAFE...literally could have been ripped from almost any of the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE DVD sets...seriously!

Um, yeah I would totally agree with anyone that posts OLIVIA=MA WEAVER from the infamous TAR-FAMILY EDITION. DId everyone see how she was clappinig madly at the prospect of a bible and I kid you not I saw a fanatical gleem in her eyes when they got it. I don't like her...she's also just a creep the way she was insulting the council when not more than three days earlier she guilt tripped them into giving her sister a $20 K birthday gift.

I wanted to Morgan to win just so we could see her parents as I suspected she was biracial like myself.

What's his name Cody leaving...did that remind anyone of Radar's last episode of MASH? Sad he bailed on his bud Campbell so he could beat a path back to his "girlfriend"...I wonder what Ashley wrote in that letter that needed pixilation anyway-it wasn't where you'd find an address on a letter that they didn't want to leak out.

Is Zach too good to be true or is he playing for Gold Star?

Tonight I figured it out...Sophia is totally Daria Morgandorfer and Morgan is Jodi Landon.

BB8's Jen was much admired for her thick skin and I can do no less than give similar accolades to Taylor. She has that same unique ability to let the town's jeers roll right off of her. Oh and tonight Taylor's Lamber Leila actually got to speak!

My favorite Kelsey the asian girl finally got some significant camera time...too bad they had to make her look like religously ignorant. She was adorable with that blanket pulled up to her chin...and she had the best line of the night after hearing about 300 million Hindu gods..."Whaaaa...what?!

LOL moment when I heard the notion of a miniature golf course being erected in the middle of a western town. Think of the gunfights they could have avoided if they had mini golf instead!

Greg reduced to a cameo in his own show!

And finally ANJAY is the most useless council member ever...he has zero personality and seems there only to take up space.

So glad to see there's finally going to be an election next week. Am I the only one who was totally rooting for one of the kids to smack the shot glass out of Taylor's hand? Really hoping Zach replaces her as leader of the Yellow District.

I'm glad Morgan was rewarded for her efforts, but I'm really starting to feel bad for Greg. He doesn't even seem surprised when he's passed over anymore. I think he's becoming resigned. However, a council shakeup that gets rid of Mike could help Greg's chances of the star dramatically.

I was shocked the kids chose the Holy Books over the mini-golf. I confess, I would have voted for the golf. It was great, though, to see the kids taking an active interest in each others' religions. I find it hilarious that they all simultaneously figured out that they didn't have to go to the Council's service though...wonder if they'll apply that idea to curfew too?

As others have said, based on his profile, I believe Alex came up with the survey idea on his own. It's exactly what I would have done at his age...some people are just really into charts and demographics.

I really like Guylan from his profile, and it was great to finally see him get some screen time. He seems pretty intelligent, I hope we see more of him.

The more I think about it, the more sense this makes. Kids are pretty curious, and to have a chance to learn about different religions after meeting people who actively participate (or actively don't). If you only know that Jewish people (as an example) are out there, but never get a chance to meet any and then you can not only meet some and talk about their religion with them (and vice versa) but also read their Holy Books? With no adults around to jam their ideas into the mix (well- no parents anyhow) it might be interesting.

I would have liked to see more books there than just religious texts though- good books on Science (Six Easy Pieces is a good one for kids) or philosophy or history- any of those would have been great. They may be relgious per se, but they'd get you thinking. And that's pretty good too.

Tell me about it. For one, the producers didn't acknowledge that within some religious disciplines you are disallowed from practicing with those who are not of your faith, or to . It's completely different to share with folks what your religious practices are. In addition, there was a conflation of organized religion=spirituality, which also leaves out the diversity of atheistic thought.

The other disturbing thing was the belief that the fact of religion is of itself a problem that leads to strife, rather than the fact that some organized religions have used their power to oppress others who are not of their religion. It's not really surprising, as I live in the same America as these kids, but it seemed that a number of kids did not feel like they could be open about their spiritual and religious affiliations without fear of it being de facto divisive.

It was good to seethe fireplace scene, though, and DK's (I think?) acknowledgment that just because some kids were not present didn't mean that they might not be having their own spiritual moment. But I felt annoyed that that group of kids kept interrupting Anjay and then mimed his actions.

I love these kids, but I HATE this show.

The only purpose Olivia serves in my world is to tell off Taylor. Other than that - well, "holier than thou" fits in any number of ways. And Divad isn't far behind her.

Mike needs to find some other reason to deny Greg than questioning his motives. It didn't look like Greg was seriously up for the star, but, man, when he was mentioned Mike went straight to the lemon face.

On the up side - Zach. The only reason I don't want him to take Taylor's place is that I'm afraid it'll put him out of contention for the star while he's on the council. On the other hand, I'd get to watch him try and make Taylor work and that would be so entertaining. So - win/win there!

Anjay - I think he might end up being the only re-elected council member. Taylor's toast. I think Mike wants out frankly. Laurel's good, but her team keeps losing the challenges. Not her fault, but when it's going bad, you elect a new leader. When it's going good, you stick with what works - hence, Anjay.

Yes! That's exactly what I meant. "Orthodox, Conservative or Reform?" "Sunni or Shite?" Many adults don't even grasp that.

Ugh, I can't take anymore of Taylor and her too-white teeth. Get lost, kid. I really hope she gets booted off council next week and just has to Deal With It!

Zach for President!

I think the producers felt they needed to have the journal or some similar device to drive the "plot" of the show. Otherwise you'd have 40 kids sitting around taking root beer shots and watching cows all day and the show would be pretty boring ... not to mention, the kids being bored as well.

9 year olds don't have the famewhore gene implanted quite yet - I don't think most of them consciously play for the camera (with the possible exception of Jared) as you see on conventional reality shows.

Even with the forced drama imposed by the journal, I'm starting to find this show rather tedious. The editing is so heavy-handed and making all these kids conform to their roles ... there's no spontaneity whatsoever.

I feel like I know about 10 of these kids and the other 28 are just anonymous spectres waiting for a label or a plot point. And those 10 are just doing the same things over and over.

Besides, what was it Morgan told her parents when she called them? "We're all working hard, and what we're working for is a gold star worth $20K!" So, even the kids who are getting the star are motivated to get that star, not "for the town". Why should Greg be punished just because he's being honest?

To that point, I bet Taylor has a plan. She wants to be kicked off the council because she wants a gold star. Watch her lose her election and then suddenly become the hardest little worker the town has. So she can redeem herself and get her own star.

And Cody, you've liked the girl since third grade? You're nine. Wasn't that, like, just a few months ago?

Edited for clarity

Eh, I think you give them too much credit. I think they picked them because not that many of them wanted to stand out in the cold and play mini golf, and because they felt like they SHOULD take them. It was an opportunity to seem "mature" in front of the cameras.

If they put the books against pizza they would have lost in a landslide, IMO.

I'm so glad we finally got to see some more kids. Divad, Guylan, Eric and even Taylor's little followers finally got to speak!

I'm with everyone else who hates the heavy hand TPTB play. As a kid away from home I would have loved 40 days of not having to go to church every Sunday. And having other kids tell me to go to a non descript service would not have sat well with me.

Wow, that episode triggered flashbacks of my childhood, being forced to wear nylons and dresses and going to church every Saturday morning (Seventh-Day Adventist) while all my friends got to play sports and watch movies and eat peperoni pizzas on Friday nights and watch cartoons Saturday morning, etc. No wonder I quit attending church the day I moved into my own apartment...and then later studied anthropology. ;-) Anything can taste bad if it's shoved down your throat.

Mini golf doesn't seem too appealing out there. And these kids are pretty intelligent and probably read a lot. So books make sense. Pizza would have beaten the books - ITA

Taylor, are you thick-skinned or just don't listen?

I expect them to do an episode on there's a new sheriff in town, with a jail and old western justice.

If you pick mini-golf over the Bible that's a first-class ticket to hell... at least that might've been what some kids were thinking ;) .

It finally hit me. Taylor is Cordelia Chase. I guess that makes the little vacuous blonde with her Harmony.

I fear that Zach will be put on the council and therefore miss a gold star opportunity. Ironically except I think for Mallory, all the goldstar recipients have been green team and they have been laborers 3 out of 4 times. Apparently charma is making them poor in Bonanza world but well off in the real world.

Alex is a brain. He will make a cuter little scientist someday.

Yep I do buy that little kids were better at puzzles than teens.

I think they were afraid to pick the mini golf over holy books because they knew thier parents would see that and thought they'd be disappointed in them. Esp the younger ones because at that age you think of right and wrong as pretty black and white and tend to just accept what is right and wrong from your parents.

I wasn't sure I wanted to watch the episode when I realized the whole religion thing was cooked up by TPTB-but kids being kids, it turned out ok. Like a poster upthread noted, the kids didn't like being forced into services but were curious enough to go when it was voluntary.

Zac chasing Blaine to get him to do dishes made me laugh-mostly the "I am so out of here" look on Blaine's face.

I'll be curious to see if Taylor's attitude will change at all once she's not on the council any longer. I predict she'll be just as lazy and entitled then. Some one upthread suggested she was trying to get tossed on purpose so she could win the gold star but I don't think she's a strategist at all.

I think the kids chose the bibles over the mini golf because alot of them are taking the "build a town" thing seriously. Not that they buy into the realism of the journal necessarily, just that they think they are going to be judged on how well they do with building a town.

Olivia bugged me tonight. Her whole speech about how she knew what she believed so she didn't want to hear how anybody else thinks? Ugh. Then to say the council wasn't working hard enough when they gave her sis a $20,000 b-day gift? Seemed a little ungrateful to me.

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies playing during the snowfall just made my week. What other reality show could get away with that?

Paraphrased: "I'm a Christian and I feel strongly in my beliefs and I just don't see the point in listening to other people's beliefs."  Yeah... I'll just leave that one to speak for itself.

Why do half these kids have cold sores?  Where the heck does a 9-year-old contract herpes?

Ugh. The upbringing of some of these children showed when some of them were so adamant about being close-minded about their religion. Some of the things that came out of their mouths (like OLIVIA for example) made me shutter.



So much word. Creep.ee.

Taylor? Does not have a strategic bone in her body. My prediction is Mike and Taylor will be kicked off and replaced by more deserving people. The only people on the council who deserve to stay at this point are Anjay and Laurel.

I have to say I am really getting disturbed that the kids are taking root beer and doing "shots". I know it was shown last week but it's really messed up if you ask me.

I go back and forth on Taylor. When she's sitting in the saloon and laughing about not doing work, I hate her. When she's sitting in front of everyone at the council meetings and being (rightly) criticized for her lack of work ethic, I feel sort of sorry for her. And then I remember that she brought it all on herself and is constantly screaming, "deal with it," at pretty much everyone. I shouldn't be this torn about a reality show contestant.

Speaking of people that annoy me because they're constantly screaming at people - Anjay. It seems that every episode we have him telling people to shut up, that they're stupid, or something else that's annoying and obnoxious. Although when I think about it, most of these kids have had scenes in which they stand up and yell at people. And then depending on their popularity and standing in Bonazna, they either get a standing ovation (Michael) or attacked (Greg).

And though I'm Catholic and semi-religious, I was disappointed (and surprised) the kids chose the religious books.