End of the Farm Kings?

By know I'm sure most of the die hard Farm Kings fans have heard that tonights episode will most likely be the last episode.  If you haven't heard about it you can go to the Freedom Farms website and catch up.  Now I can't say this is a surprise.  Friday night death slot.  Mama bear talking about the fact that they only get paid a nominal amount....yada yada yada.  That said this is still a great show with great values that I can watch with my daughter.  SO if you feel the same way feel free to call Scribbs Network (the parent company of GAC) and let them know that you aren't happy that it looks like this is the end of the road for the Farm Kings.  Let them know that you will no longer be watching GAC.  Let them know that you will contact the companies that advertise on GAC and explain why you can't buy products from a company that doesn't support the kind of viewing you want to see on TV.   The number to call Scribbs is (865) 694-2700

 Update:  I was mistaken.  There will be one more new Farm Kings this coming Friday night October 3. I'm kind of hoping that that isn't all you took from this post but rather picked up your phone to voice your displeasure!

Farm Kings Season 3 Episode 8

Another great episode!  Everyone played nicely, no one needed to be slapped upside the head.  Win win win!  I also found myself laughing out loud several times.  Lots of little mini stories this week.  Let’s start with the bomb shelter.

-OK….first of all other than being claustrophobic is there a reason that Pete would rather take on the zombies rather than being a in a cargo container with his family?  Please tell me that I wasn’t the only one laughing about that?  It’s so funny when I see the King family doing stuff that I’ve talked to my family about doing.  Cargo shelter cold storage= good planning!  Tim was exactly right when he said hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  Sounds like solid planning to me!  Also using it as cold storage is a great idea.  Perhaps I’m just jealous because I’d give my eyeteeth to have a cold storage area like that.  Anyway watching the boys go about this project was entertaining as always.  At least things didn’t go horribly awry this time.  It was too funny listening to Pete harangue about knocking out the wall.  The farmhouse is part of Lisa’s divorce settlement and obviously has been in the family for a long time.  Nobody wants Pete to cry!  Just listening to Pete fret was funny.  “Don’t like it.  Put it back!”  Loved it!  Who hasn’t done something that they knew would have their parents or grandparents rolling in their grave?   At least the house didn’t have any major structural damage!  The best part of the whole bomb shelter prep was listening to Pete explain how they get the younger boys to do their dirty work.  WooHooo! Having fun now!  Wanna play?  Ah, the advantages of being older!  Of course things couldn’t be totally smooth sailing and Tim had to take out the corner of the house when filling in the dirt around the container.  Ooops!   As I said I think the planning ahead the Kings are doing is a good thing.  There is huge peace of mind knowing that if things even hit the fan that you can take care of you and yours. 

The family getting involved in collecting food for the less fortunate was great.  One of the things Lisa has obviously done is teach her children the gift of giving to less fortunate and being thankful for their own blessings.  They always seem to be very willing to share their good fortune.  Kudos to Lisa on that front.  This week the Kings decided to collect food for a local food bank.  They really pulled Ben and his friend Alex into this project since they’ve received so much through Special Olympics.  I love that they are fostering this in Ben (and Alex).  So Bitty set about to decorate collection boxes with the help of Lily, Ben and Alex.  Then Lisa had the boys help in the kitchen getting some foods ready to can.  They didn’t just stop there.  They also helped serve food to the less fortunate.  Go King Family! 

They also sold Christmas trees again this year.  Not sure why from a money stand point since they obviously haven’t come out ahead in this venture in previous years.  The back and forth between Sam & Dan was fun to watch.  Who else liked it when Sam nominated Dan to stand in the middle of the street to create a detour?!!!?  Sam seems to really be growing into his role as a big contributor.  I loved Dan’s idea to dress up as Santa to try to attract more customers.  They didn’t say how they wound up making out for the year overall.  

I think my favorite scene in the whole episode was the closing when the whole family was checking out the bomb shelter.  I love that it was even “decorated”.  Did anyone else catch the skull in the background among the crates holding the canned food?  I also loved that Dan brought a tree to liven up the place.  Too cute!  It was great when Lisa asked about the bathroom.  Lisa- the zombies are coming!  Use your bucket and be happy!   Although I will say her idea of using another storage container to make it bigger wasn’t a horrible idea.  Somehow I don’t see the boys going for that.  Maybe next they’ll try making a storage container home for some of the younger boys. 

So what did you think of this week’s episode?  What was your favorite part? 

Farm Kings Season 3 Episode 6

Ugh!  Who to throw the hatchet at first?  Joe or Lisa?  Both were in rare form and both probably needed to be b&%ch slapped.  Lisa with the whole "challenge" think was so over the top and how Dale held his temper in check I don't know but kudos to him.  She needed the whole table?  Then what about you working at night then when you won't be in the way?  I don't think it would be possible for her to be more in the way or more abrasive.  The boss told you?  Ok, guess what?  The boss didn't rub 2 brain cells together and think that sending you down their during lunch wouldn't be a good idea.  Then Saint Lisa had so much to do that she couldn't possibly do anything with the chickens.  Hello this is the woman that can't say no to her boys or leave work unfinished so why even bother having a mini piss fit about it?  We all knew she was going to do it so why bother? 

The walipini was is such a cool concept and not just for farm use.  I love that Tim is always trying to find a way to take things to the next level.  Also, I was not surprised that Pete knew the proper name for it.  It's a downer when he degrades himself because he obviously a bright guy.  Now if I could just stop my 10 year old from drooling over him!  As always Joe shows up for a project, grabs control.  Doesn't even do a particularly great job of it but we're not supposed to notice that, right?  Also like we're not supposed to notice that he takes off when the really hard labor starts.  No wonder the guy is soft!  He did it with laying the brick and then again with the oven.  Wasn't it nice of him to show up after they had the new oven in? 

The boys having a competition during the wood cutting was too funny.  I loved John's reaction to the loser having to wear a dress.  So adorable!  Luke also had to know he wasn't going to win so why bother cheating?  The best part was Paul coming ahead in something.  Go Paul!!!!!

Farm Kings Season 3 episode 4

Today Princess Bear (PB) did her very best to try to convince me to let her watch last night's Farm Kings episode before school this morning.  I was a mean mommy & sent her to bed last night and she was not happy about it!  Unfortunately, there was just no time this morning.  Has it worked out her grandparents had to pick her up from school today and I guess she was still in a funk because she hadn't seen it yet.  This somehow lead to her holding court on a Farm Kings watching party this evening with her grandparents and myself.  As always the King family delivered. 

I was absolutely rolling with laughter watching Sam & Paul on their bartering expedition at the Farmers/Flea Market.  How cute was it when Paul was trying on the boots and Sam was seeing where he's toes were?  Adorable I tell you!!!  Paul getting the taser was also hilarious!  I love his attitude with stuff like that.  I might be small but I'll get my punches in one way or another!  Tim and John were great when the other 2 boys were showing off their "treasures".  Again the taser thing had me howling with laughter.  How scene was adorable!

There were two different scenes with Bitty taking care of her niece and nephew and then 2 nieces.  You can tell that she is very comfortable with kids and rightfully so.  The best is how she really seems to enjoy them for the simplicity of childhood and celebrates that.  I think Bitty probably has a very kind, artistic, creative soul and tries to see the best in all things. 

Joe came up with a plan for a pick your own event at the Farm.  Brilliant.  Seriously!  They are all about getting people to understand their relationship and connection to the food they eat and this was a wonderful way to foster that relationship.  The only thing I didn't like is that they put Dan in charge because they had other things to do and Dan is such a natural with people.  It just seems like again Dan is the pick up the slack guy and gets no real appreciation.  Unfortunately Dan kind of did himself in by showing up late and not having a clear idea of the program when he did show up.  Dan is an unbelievably hard work and one helluva salesman.  He just can't make mistakes like showing up late if he wants his brothers to ever truly consider him as a partner.  The event seemed to work well except for the girl cutting herself but that wasn't due to a lack of preparation or any kind of oversight.  I bet that the Kings could feature more than one event a year like this. 

There was the wood carving demonstration that Joe set up as another way to get people to the Farm Market.  You have to give the guy points for always trying to find new ways to get people introduced to Freedom Farms.  The downside of it is how he always and I do mean ALWAYS tries to find a new way to make a buck regardless of the consequences.  This was one of those times that Joe kind of crossed a line in my mind.  Yes he was laughing about it and joking around but there was no real doubt that he would love it if Pete could turn his wood carving into a money maker.  I love Pete's honesty when he talks about not really knowing what he's doing or being unsure of himself.  It is just one more sign that Mama Lisa has done an incredible job raising her family.  They aren't afraid to admit their shortcomings or that they don't know how to do something.  Go Lisa.

Back to the bartering.  Frankly I think the boys hit upon a great idea when they started bartering.  There were things they needed and/or wanted.  They had the produce let the bartering commence!  Now did I miss John bartering for Jerry the goat?  How freaking hysterical was that?  Can't say I've ever seen anyone walk a goat before.  The conversation between John, Sam and Paul about combining their items to barter for something bigger was awesome!  Again I was sitting there just laughing!  It was cute that John didn't want to get rid of Jerry but agreed to go along with it. 

Side note:  I live 20 minutes from Morton Illinois which is the Pumpkin Capital of the World.  My sister, bil and nephews live there.  You can read more about this HERE.  The Pumpkin Festival is HUGE around here and Punkin Chuckin' is a big part of that.  So as they are cuing the segment for what the boys bartered for I'm asking my mom "Hey.....what do you think they got????" and laughing.  As soon as she saw the pumpkin chucker she started laughing.  I know it's a regional thing but flinging those pumpkins around is big fun I tell you!

So, enter Sam and the pumpkin chucker.  I love that he set up targets.  The family definitely knows how to have fun.  Except for poor old Lisa who's going to have to clean it up.  I loved when somebody asked what they had traded to get Luke. 

So, there you have my recap on this weeks episode.  Another good one to be sure.  If they would just get rid of the damn narrator! 

Farm Kings Season 3 episode 3

I have to say that I like this episode the most of the three this season.  Perhaps because several different members of the family were shown in a wonderful light.  Of course the narrator still sucks it big time.  People are still complaining on the GAC website.  I wonder when they are going to get a clue and get rid of him.   Listening to him just grates on my nerves!

The part of Pete taking Jilly to her violin lesson was beyond adorable.  It's obviously he tries to spend time with her when he can and takes a real interest in what she's doing.  The pride he has in her and his love for her is evident.  This isn't always something you expect from somebody that became a father at such a young age.  Having a child in high school I'm sure is never easy but it seems like Pete and Jessi have done a great job.

The part about keeping Ben in shape was endearing.  I had not realized that individuals with Down Syndrome had issues with hypothyroidism as Bitty talked about but was aware that they often have heart problems.  It's wonderful that the family is trying to be proactive in keeping Ben as healthy as possible.  Watching Paul work out with him was heartwarming.  The whole family really does rally together and put Ben's best interests at heart.  No disputing that!

The Freedom Farms weight loss challenge was interesting to watch.  It was a great concept in that there was community outreach and it featured Freedom Farm products.  In theory eating fresh produce should help lead to a healthy lifestyle and weight.  The part where Lisa was supposed to be showing the group how to eat was a complete failure.  Lisa seems to never prepare for things and just shoots from the hip.  She had both feet in her mouth and kept on going.  She needed to have an outline of ideas to cover as a guide.  While the program overall was a success you had to feel sorry for Joe.  One has to wonder about the validity of Joe and Ben entering anyway but beyond that how much did it suck that Joe was the only one who gained weight?  What in the world is Heather feeding him?  It is sad that Joe admits he doesn't have enough time with his kids.  He's never going to get that time back.

I was absolutely cracking up during the greenhouse segments.  For once I actually felt bad for Lisa.  Anytime the boys do a project for her they always have her best interests at heart but things seem to never go quite as well as one would hope.  I did love Lisa pointed out them smashing her flowers is the same as if she went on stepped on their tomatoes.  The boys don't seem to look at it that way though.  Also why does Lisa mention changes she wants to make right away?  It makes her seem ungrateful for what they have done.  Graciousness does not seem to be Lisa's strong suit.

Ben as the water boy was again putting a very human face to special needs so I particularly liked that part.  Watching him talking to the girls was too cute too.  I also love that they are airing Special Olympics commercials during the show again.

So what did you think of this weeks episode?

Yep a bit behind....let's blame it on Christmas! Farm Kings Season 3 Ep 2

OK....is it me or does Lisa remind anyone else of a teenager who thinks she can just smile and get away with anything?  That thought came to me a few times during this episode.   The first one when she pulled into Dave's grocery and started selling pulled pork without his permission.  All in all the guy was pretty nice.  He could have had her hauled off!  If she was selling well there giving a small portion of the sales to him wouldn't have been a bad idea!  While I complete understand (and at times work under) the theory it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission there are just times you can't do that.  Lisa seems to find those times with frequent and gay abandon!  Then there was when she pulled into the Farmers Market and Dan and no clue as to what was up.  While Dan did a great job being Joe for a week last season it seems as though Joe didn't learn his lesson to keep people in the loop.  So here comes Miss Lisa with her my shit don't stink and I'm just too damn cute now give me room at the farmers market.  Seriously?  There was also the little spat with her and Dale (?).  I really don't think he was completely serious about not sharing the secret of his recipes but damn did Lisa start spinning. 

There is also the boys building the pasture thing.  It is pretty evident that the boys are spread beyond thin and at some point they're going to break if that doesn't change.  While I am not surprised at all by Joe's lack of being able to keep up with physical tasks like Pete I was surprised that he counted on Dan's help when Dan had to get to the Farmers market.  The man sure does have a lot going on.

The whole Lisa Bitty thing really made me cringe as well.  Again the narrator sucked and just added BS drama to this and frankly there was enough.  Lisa doesn't seem to have a lot of faith in her kids and that was really apparent in her dealings with Bitty.  Also if Bitty does have the wedding bug who could blame her?  She's 9 months away from getting married and seems pretty damn calm if you ask me!  I do love that she's doing the wedding outdoors.  I wonder if they'll share any of that? 

The best part of the episode in my mind was the human harvester contest.  Personally, I was hoping that Paul would win!  I loved when he added the cape.   He seems to have a very fun sense of humor.  On the flip side of wanting Paul to win it was also nice in a way that Sam did.  After the conflict he had with Luke during the strawberry transplanting last year he has the bragging rights to back up his position.  It was also fun watching Pete & Tim go head to head.  I was a bit surprised that Tim bested Pete in the field picking part to by honest with you!  The corn trophy at the end was hilarious! 

Random thoughts:
THE NARRATOR STILL SUCKS!!!!!!!!
They preview for the reconstruction work at Lisa's has me really looking forward to this weeks show!  It showed Tim and one of the younger boys (maybe Paul?).  That surprised me since wasn't Pete the one who worked in the construction field prior to Freedom Farms?  Also Dan had his short lived stint in it as well.  Those boys sure know how to do things that really get Miss Lisa's head spinning around!  I'm always waiting for her to start spewing green stuff!  It reminded me of the episode when they build the pond for her!  They're hearts sure are in the right place though! 

They're back!!!! (soon!)

As a wonderful reader gave me heads up last night the Farm Kings are coming back!!!  Season 3 starts on December 19th!  What a wonderful reason to sit down and relax for a bit in the middle of Christmas craziness!!!!   I think since this is an odd time that it will most likely show the Farm Festival again and perhaps a wedding (or two?).  I wonder if Maggie dearest will make an appearance once she's Mrs. Timothy King.  The big day is less than a week away now!  I also think they'll do a two part season like they did with season 2.  I wish that they would do more episodes.  There is so much more ground that they could cover and by all accounts things are heating up with the Kings.  Tim getting married this Saturday and Bitty and Joe are both engaged now.  I wonder how long Jessi will be content to be just committed to Pete since they all seem to be heading down the aisle now.  I also don't think Tim & Maggie will wait long to add to their little family.  Anyone want to start a pool on that one?  My vote is that they'll be celebrating their first anniversary with an infant in tow.

SO, GAC or Stage 3 whoever is in charge WHEN ARE SEASON 1 & 2 GOING TO BE RELEASED ON DVD?????

Just a bit of eye candy but take a look... a few Kings are missing.