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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this car rehab show often highlights truck drivers' emotional life stories -- from personal health problems to having children with cancer to coping with being a war veteran. Stories don't get too detailed, but younger children may be disturbed by some of the accounts. Part of the show's conceit is that the group supposedly steals the trucks that they rehab, though the stealing is handled very lightheartedly. Patriotism and faith play a strong role in some episodes.
Families can talk about the appeal of cars and trucks -- and shows that revolve around them. Why are some people so fascinated by trucks? How much money do you think it takes to fix up these trucks? Why do you think the crew pretends to steal the truck, rather than just announce to the owners what they're planning to do? Families can also discuss what it would be like to be a truck driver. What do you think would be fun -- or not so fun -- about it? What stereotypes are associated with truck drivers? Who's responsible for creating those associations? Does this show reinforce or undermine them?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci
In TRICK MY TRUCK, a group of guys dubbed the Chrome Shop Mafia find big-rig drivers with compelling stories and overhaul their trucks. Sort of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for the trucking set, the show focuses on helping drivers who are down on their luck or have a noble cause, customizing their rigs to fit their situation.
In one episode, for example, a senior couple who drives across the country towing a replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial gets a complete rehab, from custom paint job to deluxe interior. Ryno, the team's airbrush master, transforms the plain exterior into a sunset scene -- complete with his rendition of the memorial painted on the side. Lighting technicians put lamps beneath the painted memorial to mimic the look of the actual monument. And the interior is reupholstered and redecorated to resemble a hay loft, complete with karaoke machine and flat screen monitors so that the couple can enjoy playing and singing country music with their family.
Though Trick My Truck's crew has the familiar tattooed look of many car-rehab show "characters," this group has a decidedly different perspective than those on the other series (which are mostly based in Los Angeles). The Chrome Shop Mafia folks are patriotic, blue collar, and down to earth.
Unfortunately, their dialogue feels scripted and their delivery is lifeless, making for less-appealing characters than some of the other, more personality-driven shows. Some of the jokes included to lighten things up fall flat or just seem corny. But on the plus side, the show is only 30 minutes, which means the work goes fast and viewers get to see big changes without getting weighed down in the details.
Fans might enjoy other car rehab shows like Overhaulin' (which has a similar -- and questionably necessary -- steal-it-to-fix-it premise) and NASCAR Angels.
Rate It!
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ViolenceSome truckers' stories involve illness or hardship, like one about a little girl with cancer. |
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LanguageOccasional "hell." |
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Social BehaviorShows people working hard and doing what they enjoy. Teens who like working on cars or who are mechanically inclined may be inspired. Strong emphasis is placed on patriotism, hard work, importance of family, and faith. Vehicle thefts are staged and usually not too upsetting for the "victims." |
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CommercialismTruck brands and some other car-oriented logos are visible in the background. Workers wear Dickies clothes. |
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