Why? Because this show features a place and people I know. The elementary school in an area of town where I used to work and do community service. The morning DJ with whom I went to college. The church where I used to sing. They’re all here.
I’m talking, of course, about “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.” Tonight I had the chance to view the premiere episode and since I know the question you’re all asking, I’m going to answer it straightaway.
No. Huntington is not portrayed badly. I had my doubts when I saw the promo that was released last month, but that was clearly just to try and sell some drama. I think the show does a pretty good job of explaining that our schools have to deal with national guidelines and regulations and that it isn’t just a local thing.And in all honesty, Oliver is very complimentary of Huntington and its people throughout the entire hour—even when they give him a hard time.
When the hour opens, Oliver is trying to get his message out as to why he’s here. So he heads straight for a local radio station, 93.7 The Dawg, where he gets an earful from Rod Willis (of Rocky and Rod). It’s important to remember that this is a TV show, so there’s some dramatization going on here, and Willis plays it perfectly. But it gives the show a good place from which to start as Oliver goes about trying to change lives.
His first place to do that is Central City Elementary. Here is where we meet school cook Alice Gue, who quickly becomes the star of the show, and I mean that as a compliment. She makes sure that Oliver knows the rules and is always the first one to question his ideas and methods. But Gue never comes off badly because she’s just reacting the same way any of the rest of us would if someone came in off the street and started telling us how to do our jobs. I’m sure there’s dramatization going on here as well, but it never feels like it.
You can’t help but laugh at Oliver as he struggles to understand the USDA guidelines and menu choices. I’m not saying I don’t agree with him that there are healthier alternatives, but it’s just funny that he doesn’t quite get it. I especially got a kick out of his amazement over breakfast pizza, because I thought it looked pretty good.
Oliver finds a friend in Pastor Steve Willis of First Baptist Church of Kenova. Willis introduces Oliver to the Edwards Family and Oliver sets out to teach them how to cook and eat healthier. Again, it’s important to say that Oliver never places blame on anyone. He’s just trying to change bad habits.But then, just before the end of the show, things go haywire for him. Just as he’s starting to feel good about things, his own words come back to bite him. I’m of course talking about the interview he gave that was printed on the front page of “The Herald-Dispatch” last year that angered residents because it painted them as “ignorant.” Oliver is devastated and even refers to the article as making his “life a bloody hell.” But it’s when he has to confront the staff at Central City Elementary that he really gets an earful. And in my opinion, this is when Huntington really shines as Gue and others stand up for their city and their community. Oliver can only listen and apologize, but no one cuts him any slack. I personally think it’s the best moment of the show.
When the hour ends, Oliver is reduced to tears as he faces his toughest task: figuring out how to plan a week’s school menu his way while still following the necessary guidelines and budgets. He knows it’s a task he hasn’t made any easier with his comments.
Now of course we all know it’s going to turn out alright by the time Rascal Flatts takes the Keith-Albee stage, but it certainly gets the show off to a dramatic start.
So now that I’ve said all that let me get back to normal with this review and do what I would normally do and tell you if the show is actually any good. Honestly, if it didn’t involve Huntington, I wouldn’t watch it because it’s just not my thing—which is not to say that it’s not worth watching. I was just bothered a little by the flow of the hour and quite frankly it’s Oliver who doesn’t always come off well. But I’d say it has real promise now that the initial setup is done.
I still have to question, however, ABC scheduling the show Fridays at 9 p.m. Friday nights are known to be a pretty low viewing time so I’m wondering what ABC’s strategy is with such an obviously family-oriented show. I can’t help but wonder if they’re not sure about it themselves. But that’s just my opinion.
I can’t wait to hear your opinions when the show debuts next month…
“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” premieres Friday, March 26th at 9 p.m. on ABC…
Photos Credit: Holly Farrell/ABC
Well of course they put it on Friday nights - that's when the most people the show is trying to reach is sitting in front of the tube watching!!
ReplyDeleteGet it?
At least you state that you think Huntington is not portrayed badly (more on that later). Too bad you've made the wretched Alice Gue your personal hero; someone 'who quickly becomes the star of the show' (read: shows defiance and great disrespect to an outsider taking time away from his own family to show a healthier and better way to feed children at school NOT telling her how to do her job, as you state). She makes sure he knows the rules and is the first to question his ideas and methods?? She blatantly bullies her supervisor and co-workers into silence as she rolls her eyes, shakes her head, repeatedly makes snide remarks and EXUDES rude behavior instead of welcoming the opportunity to create change AND questions if his menu was approved by the county representative. Who does she think she is?? God forbid she look for a solution to the ridiculous USDA 2 bread rule when Jamie's beautiful and no doubt delicious lunch couldn't meet it. She only points out that he needs them to 'rescue him' by making more bread - that no one eats, by the way, because it's healthy. God forbid she ENCOURAGE the children to choose the better lunch! Or even offer assistance in creating a new menu. And what doesn't Jamie 'get'? That one slice of that breakfast pizza you are so excited to try most likely EXCEEDS the RDA for sodium and fat, provides more preservatives than one should consume in a lifetime? Or that the government has perpetuated the problem by allowing anything BUT whole, natural, unprocessed foods into our school cafeterias? You should be ashamed of yourself, not just for your 'support' of nasty people like Alice Gue but for your own resistance to encourage change in a community you seem to hold dear to your heart. If you really cared at all about the people of Huntington your review would have been much different. All you've managed to do is praise the bullies. And portray yourself as one as well. How sad that one of the few people willing to welcome Jamie with open arms, praise and encouragement is the Pastor. Perhaps the 'lunch ladies' need to attend service more often because they are the lot that portrays Huntington badly. Seeing as they are on the 'front lines' they should've been the people most eager for change. And yes, I do believed 'lunch lady' is an appropriate title. They, in particular your hero, do not deserve the title 'cook'. That requires actual COOK-ING. Not reheating or stirring of 'pearls'. Blech. Their aversion to fresh real food shows that they don't cook at home either. Freezer full of microwavable pizzas, anyone? I did thoroughly enjoy how Alice shut up (finally) when confronted with the ingredient list of the foods they've been serving. Only after she pointed out the main (and only actual FOOD) ingredient. By the way, I have read many, many other reviews of this first episode and public comments of those reviews...yours is the only negative review not to mention the ONLY supporter of Lunch Lady Goo. Yes, I changed the spelling because she likes to serve, wait for it...goo. Don't deny it. You know it's negative. Perhaps you should just stay with fiction?
ReplyDeleteI should say up front that I am not from WV and I knew nothing about Huntington before watching this show. I come from another obesity-plagued city, Detroit. I was embarrassed and disappointed by the behavior of many of the Huntington residents, particularly the school kitchen workers. In particular, Alice had me squirming uncomfortably through every rude comment and roll of the eyes. She came across not as a working-man's hero, but as an ignorant, mean, bitter woman lashing out at anything "foreign", be it a British accent or a menu free of sodium nitrate. For me, the family Jaime went to visit was a bright spot in the episode. They were an example of good people, willing to accept a different viewpoint graciously, and willing to try a new way. While Alice has perpetuated the unfortunate stereotype of West Virginians as ignorant and rude, that kind family showed the other side of the coin: honest, welcoming people looking for the tools to build a healthier life.
ReplyDeleteI completely disagreed with the author's article here. In my opinion, Jaime came off as wholly respectful and the "lunch ladies" came off as ignorant and rude! I would feel sorry for them, but Alice was so offensive that it actually made me angry! Honestly, if I had been Jaime, I'm not sure I would have held my temper. (And I agree with one of the commenters that it IS laughable that Alice makes a big deal out of being called a "lunch lady" when she doesn't actually cook. Since when were there even PC terms for "lunch lady" anyway? HA!) The point of this show is clearly to try and open peoples' eyes to what has become a serious problem, as evidenced by the pastor's list of parishoners who have passed away. Finally, I also agree with another commenter that the bright spot in the show was the family. I look forward to an update on them--I hope they are able to incorporate the changes!
ReplyDeleteI think you miss the point about the breakfast pizza. Of course it looks good. I'm sure it tastes good. But it's not good for two reasons. 1. It's crap - cheese and sausage on white bread. 2. It teaches poor eating habits. Pizza for breakfast? The concept alone of eating pizza for breakfast on a regular basis and being okay with it sets the kids up with the wrong mindset when it comes to making choices about what to eat.
ReplyDeleteMy family is from Huntington. I personal am ashamed of "the lunch ladies". I always thought they were cooks, but they don't cook anything. Jamie I'm sorry for my hertiage. I'm glad i moved to Ohio. Come to Ohio we will show you a good time.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed by everyone saying school pizza looks and tastes good. It looks exactly like the crap they gave us when I was in school which was tough bread, nasty sauce, some cheese and about an inch of grease.
ReplyDeleteHuntington stands up for it's obesity and extremely unhealthy food ?? What is this article trying to say....that Huntington likes itself for its synthetic pizza and processed food in which it serves its kids?? Is this something to be proud of? come on Huntington, you can do better than that.
ReplyDeleteGood for Jamie Oliver. I think it's great that he is trying to make a positive change for the future generation and change these horrible food and lazy cooking habits of these embarassing lunch ladies.
I hope a healthy change can occur!
Huntington is a microcosm of the American way of life. We know we don’t eat healthy. I don’t think that Huntington came out in a bad light at all. I also think the whole issue could have been handled better if the head of the school lunch program at said to the Lunch Ladies, "Help Jamie out, show him the ropes and give him cooperation." Alice Gue was very pleased to see him fail and to a non resident viewer, it put her in a bad light as being the villain. I hope that by the last show they’re friends with a much better understanding of each other.
ReplyDeleteI liked the part showing the mother of three children the amount of fried food they were eating. Burying the fryer was the best. I'm hoping her long distance trucker husband will approve of the "new family" with their healthier menu and better physique.
Huntington schools, like most in any city must look and evaluate what is best for the children. If only healthy food were available at lunch time the children wouldn't starve, they would eat it. As far as breakfast pizza goes, that sounds like a morning after the frat house big bash type of breakfast.
I completely disagree with this article. Huntington is lucky to have Jamie there to help their children have a healthier lifestyle. As an American I'm ashamed of the way they have treated him starting from the disrespectful Rod Willis. I can see why people from other countries think we are obnoxious and ignorant. People from Huntington, open up your minds, he's there to help you. My apologies to Jamie.
ReplyDeleteRod Willis is an a$$hole for treating Jamie Oliver so bad when all he wants to do is help America with their declining health. By looking at Rod, he's had one too many cheeseburgers himself and should be happy that Jamie is there to save his life!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I have to agree with everyone else. Huntington didn't stand up for itself, it let its kids down by resisting change. I am a parent of a young child and I was in tears watching this show.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that kids can identify a chicken nugget but have NO idea what a potato looks like is disturbing, in the least. But this is all too typical of our society as a whole. What does it say about us a country when we associate healthy fare as elitist and crunchy? This is something we should ALL demand for our children, regardless of ethnicity, class, or region.
And as for the lunch ladies and the local DJ, the only thing I could think of was these are the very same people crying about the socialist takeover of health care. But it is because of people like this that we need to do smething to control costs. I'm sick and tired of having MY tax dollars going to people who refuse to take care of themselves. It is disgusting to see that family never take their kids to the doctor (even though they have access to health care) and now they're infested with all sorts of illnesses that could have been PREVENTED!!!
I'm hopeful for this town but I think jamie oliver has a tough mountain to climb. Not only is he working against defensive attitudes but he also has to deal with local school budgets and the USDA. Good luck my friend, you're on the losing end.
"The breakfast pizza looked pretty good..."
ReplyDeleteYou apparently have the palette of an eight year old and the same critical thinking skills.
No wonder you look the way you do. I hope you don't pass on your habits to your children.
The following comment was edited for language: Wow, you are just as delusional as the rest of your town.
ReplyDelete"And in my opinion, this is when Huntington really shines as Gue and others stand up for their city and their community. Oliver can only listen and apologize, but no one cuts him any slack. I personally think it’s the best moment of the show."
I'm sorry, but out of the whole hour THIS is what you are proud of? That whole 'meeting' was absolutely disgusting. That newpaper reporter took his comments out of context and he apologizes over and over and your ignorant and backward school staff doesn't cut him any slack and you think that's worthy of pride?
My god, your whole article proves that Jamie and the producers really aren't playing up any drama, you people really are this messed up. I would be so ashamed to be a Huntington resident, especially with the way Alice Gue acted. This lady is actively killing your children and is acting like a total b---h the entire way and you applaud her for it?
No, she's not just acting like anyone else who comes into their place of work would. She should be turning backflips that Jamie is there. She should be the FIRST to realize exactly how bad your lunch programs are. She should be the FIRST to welcome any change he can make happen. Instead she acts like a small minded, ignorant bumpkin who is not only unprofessional but not a nice person in general as she snipes, bitches, undercuts and fights him every step of the way. You will never fix your children with people like her around strong arming and maintaining the completely unhealthy habits and standards they seem to be so used to. She should be fired, not only for fighting to keep the food unchanged but for being so unbelievably unprofessional.
The way she acted when he made his meal and gloated he didn't have enough bread shows she should be terminated because she has no clue about nutrition. There is absolutely no reason, if he had rice on his menu that he should serve bread. That is two grains in a meal and is unnecessary and is just going to make the kids fat. That's why the USDA choices are so confusing for him, not that he can't understand them but that they make absolutely no sense. They are unhealthy choices for the kids.
And I'm sorry, your kids don't know how to use a knife and fork? Alice says this is common? That's just sad and pathetic. Another instance when she was beyond unprofessional and a complete b---h because she didn't get her way. That's the point with her, it's not about the kids, trying new things, or someone telling her how to do her job, she's more concerned about getting her way than anything else and it's at the expense of your children health.
The very fact you have no problem with pizza being served for lunch says a lot about you. It says a lot about your town. Pizza being served for lunch is so beyond unacceptable and it's obvious you need to relearn what proper eating is yourself. There is no hope for your children if you and the rest of the adults in Huntington are this way. You should be angry your kids got served pizza for lunch, not wanting to try it yourself.
I know it's not just your town, but I can't believe you openly endorse pizza for lunch and have the gal to applaud the lunch ladies and their attitudes during the course of this show. Like I said, it says a lot about your and your own lack of education when it comes to eating right. Truly sad.
Well Angela, it's clear from looking at your picture that you're hardly one to judge about whether food that 'looks good to you' is actually beneficial for the children.
ReplyDeleteFrom Angela Henderson, "I especially got a kick out of his amazement over breakfast pizza, because I thought it looked pretty good." Given the picture of Angela Henderson, I kind of thought she'd think that. Her ample size illustrates the national delusion that the breakfast pizza is actually good pizza.
ReplyDeleteHuntington, WV is just like a lot of other schools throughout the country. I grew up on food like this. This food is also served at schools in my state, Colorado, which is considered to be one of the healthier states. I used to love "breakfast pizza" until I tried the real thing. Freshly made pizza can be a wonderful, healthy thing. Yet,you got to give the folks of Huntington WV credit for opening themselves up to scrutiny for such a national problem.
I hope that the folks of Huntington, WV (and the US) realize that their wounded pride and anger is misplaced. They need to get angry at the fact our food food supply has been "corporatized" - minced, reconfigured, prepacked and prepared with ingredients that have little connection with actual food. Remember that in the past, Real America dined on Real Food made by Real Americans (I'm pretty flexible about what a Real American is, fyi!). Somehow in the past few decades, we've forgotten that.
Wow, you're right, I'm proud of the way the city banded together to shun and humiliate a man trying to create better lives for our children.
ReplyDeleteWe all appreciate the fact that school districts have their hands tied by government guidelines and budget crunches. But please don't tell me that you legitimately think that children eating pizza for breakfast is acceptable regardless of what the dietary guidelines state. None of the behavior exhibited by Alice Gue struck me as something that should inspire loyalty. What shocks me is that parents in Huntington aren't absolutely livid that their children are not only fed this way at school, but that those in charge of feeding their kids are offended by the very notion of change.
I have to say I now feel a bit sorry for you. You've had a bit of a bashing here.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm going to stand up for your review. I think it was quite fair. I even appreciate what you meant by the best moment being when they confront Jamie. The idea of a small town standing up for itself against the naked chef is in some small way inspiring.
I think that Jamie could have been more subtle. He didn't try hard enough to win the staff over, he didnt explain who he was. Why didn't he cook them a meal the way it's supposed to be before he told the "cooks" what to do? If he had got them on his side, they may have supported him better.
Why didn't he break down the meals into their actual ingredients? It would have been fascinating to see what these chemicals actually are. I am sure most of them can be found in bugs or plastic or rock. And this would have helped the tough transition the staff had to go through.
I also agree with most of the comments though.
Jamie is a world class chef, spending his time trying to highlight a genuine problem in US schools in particular, and the parents, the kids, the staff, no-one wants to see him succeed. This reminds me of one of the great failures of these US. That we simply believe we do things better than anywhere else. There is nothing else we can learn. It's a terrible shame.
Finally, if there is one thing we should all remember above all else. It is that these are children. And we are parents.
Yes, it's a fight to get the kids to eat good food, but we are parents. If there is one principle of being a good parent, it is to teach and nurture our kids. Teaching them what good food is, and feeding them a healthy diet has to be one of our first principles.
There is one word that springs to mind when I watched this series: “ignorant”. How Jamie Oliver held his composure when faced with so many rude, closed and ignorant people located-in one place, is beyond me. This is a so-called Western country where Kids didn’t even know how to use a fork or what a potato or a tomato looks like! In the end the actual healthy-eating ethos was a sideline to what we were seeing on our scenes - a truly sad indictment into American society. Fancy feeding pizza to Kids for breakfast – I ask you. Tragic. Have a great day. Paul.
ReplyDeleteThis comment by Anonymous was edited for language:
ReplyDeleteI’d rather watch Chef Ramsey. This guy doesn’t know the difference between a smoothie and a milkshake and his plans are way too expensive for the average Joe customer. Sometimes people just want a burger to be a burger, not fancy expensive bull---- on a bun.