Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC

By Adam Shuler

Every family that receives a new home from Ty Pennington and the crew on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is sympathetic or likeable in some respect; and yet, the episode that aired on February 17^th featured a subject that added new meaning to the idea of “inspiration.” Watching the Hughes family and the unique life of 19-year-old Patrick Henry Hughes was one of the most positive, endearing episodes of any series this season, and clearly deserves to be named the Best of the Week.

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes and without the ability to straighten his arms and legs. One might think that such a condition would strip Patrick of the opportunity to live a normal life and lead him to self-pity. But Patrick refused to allow negative thoughts to dominate his life. He developed an early interest and talent for music, and has become accomplished to the point that his talent classifies him as a prodigy. He writes his own music, plays the piano and trumpet, and is even a member of his school’s marching band (assisted by his father, who wheels him into the various formations).

But even though Patrick does not let much stop him, the unavoidable fact was that his family’s house was not built to accommodate him. The floors were uneven, the doorways were not wide enough for him to maneuver, and even the bathtub was difficult to use. Patrick’s main wish for the home makeover was to acquire a space that would allow him to live more independently and learn to do such things as cooking and cleaning on his own.  When the Hughes’ home was made over, Patrick received his own “apartment” of sorts, featuring all the amenities he needed to allow him to take care of himself.

While a home (as well as a marching band field) did get a makeover in this episode, the real focus was on Patrick Henry Hughes and the inspiring messages to be learned from his life. When Ty asks him about his lack of sight, Patrick states that sight is actually a disadvantage. After all, he can talk and interact with many people without once judging anyone based on their appearance. Later, Patrick gave viewers this departing message: “It doesn’t matter what kind of disabilities you might have or what kind of problems you might face on a day-to-day basis, if you set your mind to achieve a goal, then you can do it.” Patrick Henry Hughes provided viewers with inspiration and wisdom; and for highlighting this wonderful individual and his family, this episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was a joy.

Best TV Show of the Week

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