Television Review: Trick My Truck
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this car rehab show often
highlights truck drivers' emotional life stories -- from
personal health problems to having children with cancer to
coping with being a war veteran. Stories don't get too
detailed, but younger children may be disturbed by some of the
accounts. Part of the show's conceit is that the group
supposedly steals the trucks that they rehab, though the
stealing is handled very lightheartedly. Patriotism and faith
play a strong role in some episodes.
Families can talk about the appeal of cars and trucks -- and
shows that revolve around them. Why are some people so
fascinated by trucks? How much money do you think it takes to
fix up these trucks? Why do you think the crew pretends to
steal the truck, rather than just announce to the owners what
they're planning to do? Families can also discuss what it would
be like to be a truck driver. What do you think would be fun --
or not so fun -- about it? What stereotypes are associated with
truck drivers? Who's responsible for creating those
associations? Does this show reinforce or undermine them?
In TRICK MY TRUCK, a group of guys dubbed the Chrome Shop Mafia find big-rig drivers with compelling stories and overhaul their trucks. Sort of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for the trucking set, the show focuses on helping drivers who are down on their luck or have a noble cause, customizing their rigs to fit their situation. In one episode, for example, a senior couple who drives across the country towing a replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial gets a complete rehab, from custom paint job to deluxe interior.
Though Trick My Truck's crew has the familiar tattooed look of many car-rehab show "characters," this group has a decidedly different perspective than those on the other series (which are mostly based in Los Angeles). The Chrome Shop Mafia folks are patriotic, blue collar, and down to earth.
Unfortunately, their dialogue feels scripted and their delivery is lifeless, making for less-appealing characters than some of the other, more personality-driven shows. Some of the jokes included to lighten things up fall flat or just seem corny. But on the plus side, the show is only 30 minutes, which means the work goes fast and viewers get to see big changes without getting weighed down in the details.
Overhaulin'NASCAR Angels
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