The Briefcase

The Briefcase (CBS, Wednesdays, 8-9pm) is a reality show that left me with me with many questions about my own morality through the eyes of Bergins of Matthews, NC, and the Bronsons of Manchester, NH. The concept for the show seemed deceptively simple, but this program proved to be nothing but complicated.

Two financially needy families (for various reasons) living in different parts of the U.S.A. each receive a briefcase of $100,000. They have three options that they can do with this money. The Bergins and Bronsons can keep it all, keep half and give the other half away to the other disadvantaged family, or give all the cash away.

Throughout the show both families are given information about the other one in this social experiment as they make their monetary decision. Eventually, the couples are given complete access to the living facilities of the opposing group of people.

By the end of the show, both couples (husband and wife) meet face-to-face to present the currency they wish to give to those in need. I was completely astonished with what occurred by the conclusion of the program.

Bobbi and I were challenged to wonder how far we would go to provide for our family (including the Chihuahuas), or help the need of strangers. The Briefcase made me think, and question if I really would ever want to be put in such a stressful situation.   (I will be tuning in next week.)