By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Web Entertainment Editor
American reality television pervades through modern popular culture with its over-the-top drama and kitsch entertainment. “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” breaks this stereotype in a combination of spunky British fun and critical reform of school food throughout America.
In the past few years, acclaimed British chef Jamie Oliver has focused his efforts toward changing the abhorrent dietary problems in public schools. “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” tracks Oliver’s progress as he works his way through various cities improving the school food.
The first season focused on Huntington, West Virginia, one of the unhealthiest cities in America. After correcting the city’s terrible eating habits, Oliver moved on to Los Angeles in the second (and current) season.
Oliver is a dynamic character, an animated public speaker and rebellious food enthusiast. His gusto propels the show forward and keeps the atmosphere congenial.
To get his point across, Oliver uses astonishing (and uncongenial) demonstrations; recently he overflowed a school bus with sugar to show how much sugar is consumed in the LA Unified School District in one week—from flavored milk alone. These visuals both enhance his arguments and keep the show from becoming too heavy with dire social conditions.
“Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” is not perfect—keeping in line with other reality TV series, it can be melodramatic or overemotional. As a whole, however, it spreads its social message in just the right attitude.
For lively and entertaining culinary awareness education, check out “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays on ABC.
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