Here's a rundown of my favorite "storylines" from this excellent reality show about a group of young people with Down Syndrome and their families, and the storylines I'm not so happy with.
The positives:
1) Cristina has now become the first young person on the show to move into her own apartment. It will be in a supportive living type of housing unit with mentors who live onsite and will be available to assist her. That is very important, because there is still much of the day to day living that Cristina struggles with, especially handling money. But she and her fiance Angel have been taking independent living classes to learn how to do things like cook and clean and manage finances. I'll say it now and likely repeat myself, I am so impressed and pleased with all the programs that are available to educate and empower people with developmental disabilities in this part of California. I absolutely adore all of the parents on the show, how supportive and encouraging and patient they are with their children. This is such a vital step for Cristina to take, and I'm so proud of her for being brave enough to attempt this.
2) Elena is asserting her independence as well, taking a step toward financial independence by learning to work as a coffee barista. She is being trained by an organization that teaches individuals with developmental disabilities a trade and then assists them with finding employment. Again, that is huge. There might be agencies that provides training, but don't help with the job search as well. Elena is trying hard to overcome her shyness and the often turbulent mood swings that plagued her last season. She wants to succeed, and so far she is listening to her mentor and taking direction well. Elena is much happier and more outgoing than she was last season.
3) A very interesting topic that arose in this past week's episode was Sean's admission of hearing loss and subsequent decision to have surgery, something similar to a cochlear implant. Sean's parents told the audience that Sean is in charge of all his medical decisions. He chose the implant rather than a hearing aid, but when it came time to do the prep work for the procedure, including inserting the IV, Sean became agitated and almost canceled the surgery. He changed his mind and went ahead with the surgery after speaking with his doctor off camera. But during the operation, his parents discussed the idea of obtaining guardianship over Sean, specifically for medical decisions. They worried that one day he would need serious, possibly emergency surgery, and perhaps he would allow fear, indecision, and/or inability to understand the situation at hand to make a decision that would be the safest for him. This is a very difficult decision, but I'm confident that they will involve Sean in the process and hopefully achieve an outcome that is in Sean's best interest.
4) Rachel has said that this is her year of "Yes!" I think every season has been Rachel's year of yes, as she learns to conquer her fears and insecurities. This season she has announced that her dream is to become an actress. Her uber-supportive and positive parents have started the ball rolling by taking Rachel to see an agent and getting her head shots. I think this is all fantastic, but the best part about it is how both her parents and the agent are encouraging Rachel while at the same making sure she understands that the entertainment business is a tough one and success is not guaranteed. Rachel is a little older than her peers, and the roles for someone like her will be few and competitive. Basically they told her, "Go for it, and we'll do all we can to help you, we believe in you, but don't quit your day job."
5) Some people on social media are complaining about the inclusion of Rocco and his family, but I'm not one of them. I adore Rocco's parents; they are as supportive and encouraging as all the other parents. I think it's important to show the journey of a child who is just beginning the process that young people with Down Syndrome face - navigating the school system, medical care, the road to eventual independence, etc. The other parents are a great resource for Rocco's parents, and the young people will be a positive influence on Rocco as time goes on. I'm very pleased with the addition of this family to the show.
The negatives:
1) Don't get me wrong. I think Steven and Megan are absolutely adorable together! Their budding romantic relationship is so sweet! I loved their first date on the cruise, and their first kiss on the merry-go-round was the cutest thing ever! The problem is, Megan is moving WAY too fast for Steven. Megan is Steven's first girlfriend. I have no doubt that he has real feelings for her. But he is still finding his way in a relationship. Megan, on the other hand, doesn't want or need a boyfriend. She wants a husband, and a father for the baby she desperately desires. Megan is already planning the wedding and the honeymoon. Her mother needs to slow her down, or this will end in disaster quickly. I don't want to see the whole group in turmoil if Steven and Megan suffer an ugly break-up.
2) Megan's mother Kris, in my opinion, needs to stop making everything about herself and her lack of a romantic relationship. Her constant "Poor me, I'm single" routine is causing Megan, Elena, and Sean to campaign for a man for her, which is leading to highly embarrassing situations. Megan and Elena tried to find Kris a boyfriend in a pet shop. Sean tried to pick up high schools boys on a golf course for her. Is she exactly to blame for the young people acting this way? No, but I think she needs to focus on her lack of a man less and work on keeping her daughter from going to far with her man. I also think she and Steven's parents need to lay off a little on the jokes. That third date at Megan's house was so uncomfortable for everyone in the beginning. I think it was perfectly fine for Steven's parents to come in for a drink, but it needed to be quick, and then just let Megan and Steven get on with their date. Kris didn't have to announce several times that she was going off to her room - alone.
3) Where is John's storyline this season? I know he was featured prominently last season, but this season so far he's become more of a supporting "character." We need more John this season!
Regardless of the few negatives, "Born This Way" is still one of my favorite shows. I think it will be another great season.
librarianintx
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