Summer television programing brings new shows and new opportunities to smash stereotypes about people with disabilities. I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of major shows that feature at least one character with a disability. The inclusion of people like us is part of the battle but the more important question remains: Will these shows have a positive or negative impact on people with disabilities? Tuesdays at 9pm (EST) now offer not one-but TWO opportunities to find out.
Incase you've missed them, I've covered the premiere episodes of these shows. In my totally subjective review, I've given each a grade based my own subjective criteria (of course). If you've caught any of these shows (or not!), I'd love to hear your opinion.
The Little Couple
This TLC reality show features the newlywed lives of two little people, Jen and Bill. Since I'm a) a newlywed and b) a little person, I can definitely relate! The show got off to a somewhat slow start, but I'm always interested in the way other people like me approach everyday life situations. Picking out a new car, sitting comfortably at a restaurant with exceptionally tall tables, and traveling as a couple were covered in the first episodes. Overall, I give the show a resounding B+. It features a positive portrayal of people with disabilities but certainly has room to grow.I'm sure it would be difficult at first to be yourself around the cameras, so I think we'll get a more accurate representation of this couple in the episodes to come.
[Photo caption: The stars of The "Little Couple", Jen and Bill (two little people), pose in front of a skyline.]
When can you watch it? Tuesday 9PM (EST) on TLC
Mental
This Fox medical drama takes place in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The show centers on the newly appointed and somewhat unorthodox chief psychiatrist, Dr. Gallagher. My work in an inpatient psychiatric unit made me anxious to see whether this should would dispel any of the countless misconceptions. It's also an excellent opportunity to smash some of the stigma associated with mental illness and perhaps even more importantly-seeking treatment. I've learned to temper my excitement because fictional coverage of these issues is often disappointing. There are exceptions though so I was positive when I watched the pilot on Hulu. I couldn't catch its first broadcast because it conflicted with "The Little Couple".
Alicia Sparks from the Psych Central blog summarizes "Mental" the best. There were strong points-namely the special effects give an idea of how frightening it can be to hallucinate and the idea that patients have a right to be involved in their recovery. There were also some serious pitfalls. The episode's suggests that a man with schizophrenia could never showcase or enjoy the depth his artistic talent if he returned to his previously successful medication regimen. This message stigmatizes medication-and the people that need it to function independently. It was also suggested that Dr. Gallagher's genius invented the idea of involving patients in treatment team meetings. When he made this announcement, everyone at the table was shocked. I'm proud to report the reality that patient involvement is not and should not be a rarity. Overall-I give "Mental" a C-.
[Photo caption: A close-up of the top half of Dr. Gallagher's (main character) face with the words Mental May 26 Tuesday at 9/8 central.]
When can you watch it? Tuesday 9PM (EST) on Fox. OR it's available in its entirety on Hulu.
Your turn...
There's at least one more television show this summer that features a character with a disability. It's called "Glee". The reviews don't speak well for the show's portrayal of someone with a spinal cord injury. But since I haven't watched it, I won't offer a full review. Have you? Let us know what you think!
