Until a show about allstars is controlled by someone who actually has a clue, I'm afraid this is what you get. Just as on Toddlers and Tiaras, the producers are looking for people they can exploit and make look foolish or witchy or stage mom or whatever - admittedly with many parents wholehearted cooperation:confused:. As someone stated earlier, yes editing can make something look worse, but the raw material has to be there in the first place. If they don't find drama, they will try to create it. Seriously, no one cares if that 17 year old last week got to drive to a party-I wanted to see cheer practices and comps - I don't care what goes on at home. The one exception for me was Hayden - given that this is a problem that boys in cheer have - many "friends" make fun of them and sometimes even fathers don't support them. I thought it appropriate to highlight the situation he was dealing with and the coach's talk with him. He was adorable, but the producers exploited him too - there was no reason to include his quoting his mom about Midwest being "the enemy". Most all gyms and coaches encourage a respectful attitude towards other gyms, it is what is the best thing for the industry as a whole and it is the proper example to give to the cps, but tv wants conflict and where none can be found will try to stir the pot. (I wonder if the gym owners were given any editing priviledges.)
The bottom line IMO is that this show was not created for those of us involved in cheer - they want to make it entertaining for those who are clueless and just want to make fun of cheer because of their preconceived notions of what allstar is. This could have been a show to educate those not involved in just how much work and dedication is required to be an allstar. It could have been both entertaining and enlightening. But I do not believe that was the point. I am afraid the motivation was more closely related to that behind Toddlers and Tiaras. Who after watching T&T would want to admit they take part in pageants given the slanted view that is presented. (And yes, I know there are people here who participate,my point is I feel confident they are not like the parents portrayed.)
Will my daughter and I continue to watch if the shows are picked up? - we'll probably give the shows at least one more try each.
In for a penny, in for a pound - I do think it inappropriate for children as young as minis' to have a facebook page so people can "follow" them - way too creeper friendly.