OPRAH'S BIG GIVE - Road trip

Georgia was the scene for this week’s episode, as the five remaining contestants – Stephen, Rachael, Cameron, Brandi, and Sheg – are sent on a road trip all across the state, with instructions to perform random acts of kindness to complete strangers in small towns and not get arrested. Well, Nate Berkus didn’t come out and say “don’t get arrested” but it was implied. 

How would one get arrested for giving, you might ask?  Throwing handfuls of cash out of your car window on an interstate would be one way.  Donating heavy sacks of pennies to pedestrians by dropping them from a tall building would be another.  See?  You have to put some thought into giving to avoid injury and jail. 

Fortunately the contestants weren't dangerously random with their random acts of kindness this week.  The only contestant who had trouble was Rachael, who offered her help to an old woman who didn’t really want it. Instead of saying “thanks” and quickly moving on to somebody else, Rachael won’t let it go. She grabs a broom and dustpan and sweeps out under the bewildered woman’s porch instead of doing something that would be appreciated elsewhere. It seemed more an act of stubbornness rather than kindness – and the judges didn’t call he on it!

Instead (SPOILER) Sheg got kicked off this week for a costly mistake. 

He did great with the random acts phase, when he offered some comfort and help to a grieving woman who had just lost her daughter, but Sheg really dropped the ball when he was helping the Murphys, who have a family of 28 (!) adopted special-needs kids. He cleaned out their garage, which was great, but then he hosted a luau party in the garage for the kids that cost $500. It was a nice gesture, but Sheg never bothered to ask the Murphys how he could best help them. That $500 could have been put to better use than just a one-time party. A costly mistake for Sheg!

Now only Stephen, Cameron, Brandi, and Rachael remain. I think Rachael will be next to go, and then it will come down to a battle between Stephen and Brandi.  Cameron's very resourceful, but Stephen and Brandi have a real knack for getting people involved and excited.  I think that inspiring others is going to be the deciding quality that wins this contest.  And not getting arrested.

--Dave Campbell

Comments

[Donna]

I love the show, but when Sheg found that family of 28 who were in such incredible need, and this show is in a position to do so much, they walked away after cleaning the garage and having a party.
these people deserve and need all we can give. How do I donate to them?

[Disappointed in Washington]

I think the judges missed the mark in cutting Sheg loose. I think it should have been Raechael. Raechael does not come across as genuine, a team player, and she has an unpleasant attitude. I think her 'give' in the last episode was lame in comparison to the others. She bullied a woman who said she didn't need help and then played games at a nursing home! It makes me think the judges are biased and the show rigged.
DinW

[Steve Fleisher]

Bad Job

[GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER]

California fans:

Contact me via my regular e-mail: governor@governor.ca.gov

I want to know your opinions on important political issues, just like Oprah & CRISTINA GRAPPO.

Sincerely Your GOVERNOR,
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

cg//AS