Show Viewing Date: 6-10-2008 Show Title: 30 Days: In a Wheelchair
Network: FXHD Reviewed By: Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking.Com
Intro:
I can remember my college days - vividly. I was a student that
continued to build steam as I exited high school, into my college years
where I really did finally feel I was learning something that would
propel me into my own and other's futures. Shortly before I graduated
in 1992, there were a series of exercises that we went through that -
looking back now - were clearly meant to help us lend pathos to the
people that we were both assisting and might interact with in our lives
as interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. You guessed it - the
all-encompassing sound-drowning headphones, and (not at the same time)
a comfy black, light-stealing blindfold. Each of us was charged with
having a day during the semester where we were "Deaf", or we were
"Blind". This episode of FX' "30 Days" provided us with the perspective
that felt very similar:
What would life be like if tomorrow you were in a wheelchair?
This week, Morgan amped up the experience 100-fold, by including a
twist. Morgan wouldn't be the person to "live in a wheelchair for 30
days" - he invited NFL superstar, cornerback Ray Crockett,
winner of multiple Superbowls to participate in what was a very
creative and introspective look at what life would be like "if you
lived in a wheelchair for 30 Days."
Previews/Commercials Captioned: Yes
Opinion Review:
There is a strange "is this real" feel to this episode of "30 Days"
that I think is perpetuated by an incredibly real, endearing, and
HUMBLE Ray Crockett. This is a professional athlete that truly cares
not only about the people around him personally, but the people around
him in general AND the people that will end up watching this episode.
His ability to give us, the audience "eyes" into what he is
experiencing, even times where he clearly doesn't know how to react
(gosh, would any of us?) provides me with a deep sense of admiration
for this two-time back-to-back Superbowl winner.
Something that is missing often in so many "retrospective/what if"
shows nowadays is the complete absence of real-life questions. Sure,
you won't be able to drive a car the same, sure there are ramps
installed in his gargantuan mansion of a home - but one question
perplexes many who consider "what if one day I couldn't use my legs and
was bound a to a wheelchair?
It's all about the sex. Sexual. Sexerino. The vertical bop, the
cricket scratch, the double whammy, the bologna pony ride. What would
"change" - would it all just "go away" if you were paralyzed, and Ray
asks a newfound wheelchair-bound friend that question and you get the
answer. Straight-up - so to speak.
This, along with what is outstanding perspective as Ray visits a
recently-paralyzed girl in toughing it out in rehab, a series of
professional wheelchair rugby players (do these guys rock the house or
what? Truly inspiring stuff) makes for a wonderful viewing experience
that is completely, perfectly captioned from stem to stern. The most
outstanding nugget of this entire episode (indeed, perhaps what the
series is based on as far as I can tell) is the accumulation of
knowledge that clearly shows in the NFL veterans face as he begins to
understand more and more that it's about the PEOPLE, not the chair -
not the disability - not their story that put them there - not what
they've lost, but what these people have or will become post injury as
they learn to cope with a new avenue of life. It's touching, it's
educational and it is - again - why this series is a must see
regardless of your current or past perspective of those with a
disability.
As I conclude this Caption Hunt review of "30 Days: In a Wheelchair"
I remember again my "day" in college where I was blind. When I could
almost immediately understand what a challenge not being able to use
one of your senses to give your life direction. Seeing this episode
allows me to understand not only how thankful I am for what I do have,
both in my remaining senses and life, but how courageous, full of life,
and inspirational people can become by sharing stories and perspective
- which is exactly why I am a warrior in The 2GuysTalking Caption Hunt.
Overall Caption Rating:: 5
Overall Show Rating: 5
Total Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Show to Others Who Depend on Captioning? Yes
? Mike Wilkerson
Creator/Graphic Designer/Talk Show Host
- The 2GuysTalking Podcast
2GuysTalking Original Content Podcast Network
http://www.2guystalking.com
Mike@2guystalking.com ? 314-229-7683
[Mike is a professional entertainment critic and talk show host for
The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network, a multi-media podcasting company
specializing in the broadcast of opinion, thought and ideas. Be sure to
visit 2GuysTalking.Com for more information.]
