The Show's Premise
This is a charming series without pretensions that just began its 7th season on MTV. I have never watched it before but for some obscure reason it was listed among Yahoo's "Today's Picks," and they're usually right on the money with their selections.
While there are a lot of phony and sleazy unscripted shows that are clogging up various channels, this one truly appears to have good intentions. On "Made," wish fulfillment is something that can be brought to fruition without winning a big monetary prize or trying to succeed in show business by being seen on camera.
Each week another story is told about somebody's ambition and to what lengths he or she will go to make it happen with MTV's help.
Mary's Story
Have you ever been a teenager (of course you have!) and wanted something so badly that you would only tell your best friend, or maybe just keep it to yourself due to fear of failure?
Well, this is a story of a 15 year old girl named Mary who had just moved from Ohio to New Hampshire and not only did she have to attend a brand new high school, but she had the nerve and courage to make her dream of becoming a cheerleader a reality. She was not athletic, she was considered "geeky" but she was determined to make the squad and gave her entire summer to learning all the right moves.
After leaving her friends behind in Ohio; Nashua, New Hampshire was a whole new planet as far as she was concerned. Nevertheless, she was going to try her utmost to realize her wish of learning to become a cheerleader so she could at least look at the guys she would never be able to get.
I suppose somebody wrote a letter; that's the way these things work, and MTV read it and paved the way for Mary.
She comes from a large family-4 boys and an older, prettier sister as she claims. However, Mary has a lot of potential and she will become a nice looking girl, especially when those braces come off. Her dad keeps after her and teases that cheerleading is not a sport, but Mary is determined and doesn't give in.
Coach Scott
Mary decided to start her training during the summer before school officially opened. She met her coach and although he had a great sense of humor, he was tougher than nails. When Mary was asked to show him a cartwheel and she flopped over like a dying fish, Scott asked if that was really her cartwheel.
The work was endless. When it began, Mary couldn't even touch her toes although she was slim and lanky. She had no muscle tone and no rhythm. It was painful to watch at times because it seemed as if she would never ever make it as a Varsity cheerleader. Mary kept at it, Coach Scott stuck with her, and eventually, very very slowly Mary turned into a semi-decent cheerleader.
Her coach told her that having perfect form isn't everything, its attitude and personality that really count. Mary even made up her own cheer and during tryouts she showed the others how it was done. I have to say that the girls at the tryouts were extremely nice to Mary and this is where the show might have deviated somewhat from real life; or maybe New Hampshire high school girls really are decent and helpful human beings. Who knows?
Mary's Tryout Results
Since Mary's performance was lacking due to nerves and lack of experience as well as coordination, she did not make it on the Varsity team. However, she did make Junior Varsity and when we last saw her, she was cheering her little heart out with the others, and looked very happy doing so.
The Aftermath
Mary gained a lot of self-confidence (natch) and was very happy for the experience. She also learned to be patient and became outgoing. Her advice to others with a dream is just to be patient and it can be achieved. Oh, the optimism of youth!
Mary will finish high school and proceed to college where she will study for her teaching credentials because becoming a teacher is her real lifelong ambition. From the character traits that she displayed on the show, I'd say she'll make a great teacher.
Why This Is a Good Show
If you are a teenager who is drifting aimlessly through life, watch the show for some ideas and encouragement. Sit down with your family and enjoy really good entertainment which is directed toward your age group. You never know what might happen.
It's a nicely produced show that is inspiring without being preachy. It is appropriate for the entire family unlike some other shows, and its good fun. You'll consider it an hour well spent. "Made" is on MTV, on Wednesdays at 10 PM and is repeated several times during the week.
Alisa is a California Girl who loves to read, write and critique anything she damn well pleases.
She can be reached at california_girl100@yahoo.com
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