Review: Oprah's Big Give

"What would you do if someone handed you a bundle of money... but there's a catch, you have to give it all away?" asked Oprah, to open the show. Then she's pretty much gone, except for voice-overs. The show is actually hosted by Nate Burkus.

I knew it was going to be a tear-jerker, and I was not disappointed. I was sunk the minute the church singing began and baskets were passed. $14,000 was raised for an anonymous homeless family in 15 minutes at that church, and I felt better than I have in a long time. Aw, crap, pass the Kleenex!

While the stories are uplifting for the most part. I was very disappointed when I realized that some of these people might not get the help they deserve. There has to be a loser or it's not a competition, it would kind of suck to be assigned a poor team. It is an Oprah show though, so any help is going to be big.

The medical student did not get much assistance in paying off his student loans, but then again he IS a medical student.

The story that really bothered me more was the Iraq war veteran. He is being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marines due to multiple injuries suffered in combat. He has earned three purple hearts. After his discharge is complete, he will have no housing. Did I hear this correctly? I am not a political person, and this is not a political article. This soldier's "gift" from the show was temporary housing and one large donation from Bridgestone Firestone of $25,000. During the judging, the team was asked, "Where were the Marines?" I found myself asking the same question.

Overall this is a good show, though I'm not sure of the idea of competing for the best "good deed". I wish it were more along the lines of "Extreme Make Over - Home Edition", which airs directly before on ABC. A much better family follow show than "Desperate Housewives", normally in this time slot.