'Kid Nation': Finally frivolous

With news that the season will be ending Dec. 12, we should be looking for some signs that producers are stepping up the drama. With the new council (and their degrading ways) and next week's Sophia the Sheriff episode, seems like they're trying. Considering Sophia's popularity, it should help.

The almighty journal suggested that the districts study the history of Bonanza. Many kids came to get away from school, including Colton and Taylor, so this was not an enjoyable task for cerebrally challenged Blaine and the yellow district. The sunshine squad was in trouble.

The challenge? Pop balloons after guessing the correct answer to a trivia question on the town's history (knew it was coming). Of course, the smarties of the green district won the challenge, mostly thanks to Hunter's slingshot ability.  He needs a star, and should've gotten one a couple of episodes ago.

The reward?  Library vs. arcade. Hate to say it, but this was not even a choice at this point of the show. Dance Dance Revolution vs. an atlas?!? Time for Bonanza to boogie after 34 days -- all except Taylor, who was banned for inactivity. Finally she gets a real punishment, but too bad it took an arcade to force her to work.

But ... the arcade took over! Sophia commented that Bonanza was a "ghost town" as the kids spent all of their time there. So, at the town hall meeting, DK and the council recognized that the arcade was a big negative influence and decided to close it down until the pioneers finished their chores. To enforce the rule, Sophia was chosen sheriff.

Good choice, and good choice of another green team member, Hunter, as the gold star winner. We HAD to see Hunter's dad on the phone call home -- the guy who has been mentioned so much by his son as instilling in him a great work ethic and values.  Hunter should be a highlight on what's good about the show.

There were some unusual moments this episode. Zach and Taylor having a civil conversation! Taylor actually working. Mike skipping work (and Jared, though he's been known to loaf).

There was also a particularly great bevy of quotes from the kids. Here's a couple:

Taylor: Ugly chickens deserve to die!
Jared: Education is the root of civilization.
Guylan: Books are really cool, but I've never been to a free arcade in my life!
Taylor: If I ever get to go in that arcade and somebody tries to take me out, they're gonna get backslapped or kicked real hard.
Blaine (playing pool): Hold on, I got money on this game.

Leila:  It smells.
Taylor: No it doesn't.
Leila: Either it's your breath or that chicken.

Getting ahead of ourselves, but there are lots of videos popping up on YouTube with kids applying to next season's show (which hasn't officially been announced). Two kids caught my attention: cool kid Kevin and Becca (below). Good luck, you two!!

Photos: CBS

-- Jevon Phillips