Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Relationship "boot camp" has unhealthy messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In TOOL ACADEMY, nine obnoxious, dishonest, and unfaithful men (referred to as \"tools\") are unknowingly sent to relationship "boot camp" by their girlfriends in order to be reformed and transformed into husband material. The alpha males -- who are competing for a $100,000 prize -- agree to live together and undergo intense couples counseling led by therapist Trina Dolenz. They must also participate in a series of relationship challenges designed to teach lessons about respect, communication, honesty, and other values. At the end of each episode, Dolenz and host Jordan Murphy expel the man who's failed the day's lesson. The unlucky contestant is then sent to face his girlfriend, who must determine whether to continue the relationship or walk away.
Is It Any Good?
While the show does portray the men's sexism, dishonesty, and infidelity as negative traits, the obvious disrespect they show their partners is the series' main source of entertainment. Also meant to be part of the "fun" is watching the girlfriends' shocked, often tearful reactions when they watch recorded interviews and hidden camera footage of their partner's unscrupulous behavior. Meanwhile, counseling sessions seem to focus more on what's wrong than on actual solutions to the couples' relationship problems.
What makes the show even more problematic is its failure to address the women's willingness to put up with their partners' chauvinistic boasting, promiscuity, and other unsavory acts. Not to mention the fact that these women -- some of whom appear to have some serious self-esteem issues -- are desperately trying to change these men rather than empowering themselves to walk away and find someone who will treat them better. Bottom line? This series contains some very troubling -- and potentially dangerous -- messages about what makes for a healthy relationship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of changing someone in order to "improve" them. Is it realistic to think that you can (or should) change another person? What if the person doesn't want to change? Can participating in a reality show really make someone a better person? Families can also discuss relationships and self-esteem. Should anyone tolerate being disrespected in a relationship? When does having personal differences in a relationship cross the line into being abusive? How can people in abusive relationships get help?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 11, 2009
- Cast : Jordan Murphy , Trina Dolenz
- Network : VH1
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 6, 2020
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