I can't help thinking there's a reason why kids aren't in charge...

It's already that time of year! The networks are posting their fall TV schedules, along with previews of new shows. I took a look at CBS's offerings (including a crime-fighting vampire!), and was intrigued by Kid Nation, their newest reality series. For 40 days, 40 kids from age 8 to 15 will live without adults and try to prove that they can "build a better world for tomorrow." Click the link above to watch a brief preview of the show.

The preview ends with the question, "Can they succeed where adults have failed?" I’m curious to know exactly how they think adults have failed. Do they think the United States has failed as a society? I tend to think our society actually functions remarkably well. Has the world failed as a society? Maybe. But I think it would be pretty easy for adults to succeed if their society consisted entirely of intelligent, attractive, psychologically-screened individuals, all from the same national background, and all of whom are trying to win $20,000 by doing their best on a television show. What would make the show really interesting is if they had little child-moles planted in the group, with instructions to steal from the general store, or constantly filibuster at the Town Meetings, or secede from the group, steal all the root beer, and start their own town. Let’s see them deal with that.

The description of the show on CBS’s web site mentions that the grand finale will feature “an unimaginable test, the biggest awards, and a special surprise for every child.” See? They’re all winners. You know, just like in real life.