TLC's "Secret Life of a Soccer Mom"

I checked out TLC's new (sur)reality show The Secret Life of a Soccer Mom with trepidation. Would it be filled with stereotypes and make Moms look incompetent in the workplace and Dads incompetent at home?

The premiere episode follows Adrian, a former fashion designer has stayed at home with three daughters, out of the workforce for over ten years while her doctor husband focuses on his career. The show, hosted by Tracey Gold, hooks Adrian up with a "secret" week-long stint working for a fashion designer while her family thinks she's been whisked away for a spa trip.

Adrian is thrown right into the mix, given the seemingly impossible task of designing and producing three gowns in three days. Meanwhile, at home, Bruce watches the toddler and baby bop each other on the head and drink non-dairy creamer straight from the carton.

The program does rely on old tropes and manipulative moves, like pulling Adrian out right in the middle of her crucial work project to watch video of Bruce's lax stay-at-home parenting.

There are a hundred good reasons to dislike the show (magical childcare doesn't show up in real life, etc.), but darn it, it makes for riveting television. I was rooting for Adrian, Bruce, their whole family. They all clearly cared for one another. The toughest choice comes when Adrian pulls of a successful design. What will she do if she is offered the job of her dreams?

The premiere is repeated throughout the week, so I won't tell you what happens. Leave me a comment letting me know what you think if you catch the show.