Family Plots

I've gotten hooked on a reality show on A&E called "Family Plots". One of the interesting things about this program is that it takes place here in Poway!

Family Plots features the Poway-Bernardo Mortuary. A family which consists of a father and his three daughters all work at the funeral home, along with Rick, the boss; David, the funeral director and John, the funeral assistant. Chuck, the dad, works as the body remover; Melissa, the oldest sister, works in the office and comforts grieving families who come to the mortuary for visitations; Shonna, the middle sister, works as the embalmer; and Emily, the youngest, works in the office and greets clients as they arrive at the mortuary. Matt, the newest addition to the team, works as an assistant funeral director. His main job, however, is as a Baptist minister here in Poway. It's hilarious to watch him interact with Rick & the Wissmillers (Chuck & his daughters). No one at the mortuary has a problem with swearing (to the contrary, they all seem to enjoy it), except for Matt. He is visibly uncomfortable in the presence of the constant "Goddamnit", "shit", what-have-you. The look on the poor guy's face whenever he hears the profanity is priceless.

At the beginning of the show, a little blurb pops up which states something to the effect of "you will probably find this both moving and strangely amusing". That is so true. I find myself really feeling for these people, and more so for their clients, who come to the mortuary to make funeral arrangements for their dearly departed. This looks like a pretty tough business to be in, and the crew of the Poway-Bernardo Mortuary are to be admired for their ability to not only to keep it together, but also to feel for the people they serve. I also find myself chuckling quite a bit when it comes to these people's antics, especially Chuck's absent-mindedness and the love/"hate" relationship he has with his daughters. I enjoy watching David & John's reactions to the family, too.

If you ever get a chance, go ahead and check it out. It airs twice every Tuesday (once in the morning and once in the afternoon). Some people aren't "into" reality TV (my Dad being one of them), but if you are, you may find yourself getting hooked on Family Plots like I have.