Reality Recap: ‘Amish RENOgades’ Takes Palm Springs
This week on DIY Network’s “Amish RENOgades’’ Leon and Albert beautifully renovate kitchen and living room, and struggle to take a selfie.
“Amish RENOgades’’ airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. on DIY Network. It features two Amish craftsmen traveling across the country performing home renovations, and it’s only the second week, so if you want to jump on the (literal) bandwagon, it’s not too late.
Episode three of “Amish RENOgades,’’ entitled “Desert Kitchen Revival’’ features the amiable Albert Miller and Leon Schlabach in Palm Springs, California. Many of the same elements from the first two episodes hold constant: the marveling at technology (Albert and Leon struggle to take a road-side selfie), overly-specific explanation of the renovation, and some very strange metaphors.
Additionally, both the craftsmen and homeowners, Bart and Carmen Shelton, repeatedly emphasize the quality of Amish work. Beyond their artistry, however, another strength comes to the fore: personal connection.
As with last week, the two men venture out to partake in local culture. This time, they learn to golf with Bart and attend a yoga class with Carmen. And although the aim is to put their cultural innocence on display, it also adds a remarkably people-oriented element to the show. In a genre of programs that typically thrives on discord or pure task orientation, this stands out almost as much as two Amish guys trying to do downward dog.
The interpersonal vibe of the show also influences the work. Albert and Leon put the Shelton’s vision at the forefront of their design and ensure that the renovations are durable, functional, and family friendly (The Sheltons have two potentially messy young girls).
These considerations shine through in the finalized renovation. Whereas some other home improvement shows dramatize the horror of a disappointing reveal , “Amish RENOgades’’ gone three-for-three on thrilled reactions.
Here are some of the top quotes from this week’s episode, “Desert Kitchen Revival’’:
Leon: “I’m excited, it’s my first night in California!’’
Albert: “Well, you sleep here like you sleep at home, with your eyes closed.’’
“It’s a bit like putting coookies on the cooookie sheet,’’ said Albert in his slow, accented drawl as he slapped adhesive on the counter top.
Albert: “Ready to rock and roll?’’
Leon: “Amish don’t rock and roll.’’
Read last week’s Reality Recap of “Amish RENOgades’’ here.
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