A Hunter and an Environmentalist Switch Place on the Next Wife Swap  2/7/06

A CONSERVATIVE, GUN-TOTING MATRIARCH OF A SOUTHERN FAMILY TRADES PLACES AND FAMILIES WITH AN ANTI-NRA, ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST MOTHER, ON ABC'S "WIFE SWAP"

"Episode No. 103" -- This week a conservative gun-toting matriarch of a southern family swaps lives with an anti-NRA, animal rights activist mother, on "Wife Swap" -- the acclaimed unscripted reality show that takes us into the intimate heart of the American family home to reveal the extraordinarily different ways families live their lives - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast. OAD: 10/6/04)

Each week, from across the country, two families with very different values are chosen to take part. In a two-week-long challenge, the wives from these two families exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover what it's like to walk a mile in another mother's pumps. It's a mind-blowing experiment that oftentimes ends up changing their lives forever.

Aletha and Glenn-an avid hunter and fisherman-haven't shared the same bedroom in 10 years. But they do share the same view on guns; they recently presented 11-year-old Addie with her first gun. The couple's parenting style is traditional and strict-they don't tolerate disrespect from the kids, and privileges are revoked as punishment. In their isolated country setting, the Smoaks' only neighbors are the three generations of Aletha's family who live on the same estate and visit frequently.

Aletha travels to Arkansas and swaps places with Amy Beaver, a 34-year-old animal rights activist. Amy and her husband, Jeff, are environmentalists with six college degrees-but little money-between them. They are anti-NRA Green Party members who support the dream of their only child, 10-year-old Emily, to become the next Michael Moore. They treat Emily like the third adult in the family. Jeff and Amy share a strong relationship-and the same bedroom. Unlike Aletha, Amy avoids her extended family, detests cleaning and doesn't work. The family has moved 15 times in the last 10 years, and has a disorganized household, heavy on clutter and light on rules.

In the first week of the swap, Amy forces herself to not speak out against Glen's firearms, Confederate flag and "stuffed" animals decorating the wall. Meanwhile Aletha's condescending remarks towards Jeff and Emily's disregard for cleanliness and authority gnaw at Jeff's peace-loving attitude. In the second week when the new wives take over and change the rules, Glen and Amy's initial friendship is tested when her liberal leanings offend Glen's southern pride, while Jeff breaks down in tears over Aletha's negativity. Will these people ultimately find common ground, or are the differences too deep?

"Wife Swap" is an RDF Media production. It was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Lambert and Jenny Crowther of RDF Media ("Faking It" and "Junkyard Wars") and Michael Davies of Diplomatic ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Wendy Roth is the co-executive producer.

This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline. It is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning.

Source: ABC Press Release