Television Review: Decision House
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that each episode of this voyeuristic
reality series -- which revolves around couples on the brink of
divorce -- includes scenes of the feuding couples yelling and
arguing with each other and, at times, with the counselors who
are trying to help them. The show goes on to air the couples'
dirty laundry, which often includes disturbing problems like
infidelity, drug use, and domestic violence (images of abused
spouses are shown).
Families can talk about whether reality TV can go too far. Are
there lines that shouldn't be crossed? Who determines where
those lines fall? What is the appeal of a reality show like
this one? Families can also discuss the difficulties associated
with marriage and divorce. Why are some couples able to work
out their problems while others end up divorced? How can
couples who get divorced best handle the situation for their
families?
Hosted by Judge of Lynn Toler of Divorce Court, DECISION HOUSE aims to help couples on the brink of divorce decide to whether they're going to make their marriage work or end it altogether. In each episode, a couple in crisis is locked inside a house and videotaped for three days. During their voluntary 72-hour confinement, psychologists provide counseling and monitor their progress and the couple meets with mediators, financial planners, and, on occasion, family members. The couple also checks in periodically with Toler, who reminds them that at the end of their stay they must decide whether they're going to stay together or get a divorce.
Insults, arguments, violence, and tears are all part of the drama as couples proceed to air their dirtiest laundry. Conversations about infidelity and lack of intimacy are frequent, but even more disturbing are the conversations about spousal abuse, some of which include graphic details and photographs.
The series is full of free-wheeling, talk show-style advice. But aside from offering viewers some limited advice about financial planning and divorce mediation, the show is nothing more than a Big Brother-like exercise in voyeurism that presents the pain of a failing marriage as fodder for reality TV.
Shalom in the HomeCommon Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
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