I think it's the new trend. Network producers saw how much controversy the Weavers stirred up and decided that now there has to be the token hypocritical religious family/team to keep the ratings high.

It's a rather pathetic way to do it and in this case I almost have my doubts about whether or not these people are really what they say. They are so over the top nasty and seem to even being having fun being that way.

LAST EDITED ON 06-28-06 AT 07:52 PM (EST)

I almost have my doubts about whether or not these people are really what they say

According to NBC.com here's the fathers bio:

Age: 48

Occupation: Pastor

Fave TV Show: The History Channel

Fave Movies: The Sound of Music

Fave Book: The Bible

Hobbies: Hiking and reading

Brad of Team Fogal Family lives in Orange County, California, has four grown children, and works as a pastor. He has been married to Margie for twenty-six years. After graduating from college, he obtained masters' degrees in both education and theology. Busy with life as an ordained minister, Brad loves people and enjoys serving his church. He likes preaching, reading, and various sports. He also likes to travel, although he prefers a more relaxed, conventional style than allowed for on the show. His original motivation for joining "Treasure Hunters" was to be with his wife and daughter and help them stay safe throughout the experience.

I'm wondering what the church he works in (assuming he is working) is thinking of their pastor right about now.

ETA: I see the answer is posted below. My bad for not reading the entire thread before posting.

After the first 2-hr show several people from Pastor Brad's church jumped in on message boards to defend them. Pastor Brad had a show watching party and everyone watched together. Pastor Brad told them about all the bad editing and nothing was what it seemed. Then he gave them all T-shirts that said "I've Been Fogaled". None of the people really understood what the phrase meant till they saw lastnight's show. Now I'm not so sure they want to wear their T-shirts. Pastor Brad (who can't seem to keep his mouth shut about the season) put an apology on his website about how they acted. But he said everyone is all friends now and they prayed for forgiveness. (I think the other racers are showing better morals by being forgiving to them.) Lots of excuses and bad editing remarks. He had put alot on his website about the season, but it has now disappeared. He can't resist talking about it. Even though he is not suppose to.

And the Fogal daughter was so upset she went crying to NBC about how they were portrayed. She said they have told her this was the worst episode and they will be portrayed in a more favourable light from now on. Why do I see a pattern here? Fogal daughter cries her thumb is broken. Paramedic checked it and said it wasn't. Fogal daughter cries she can't carry canoe. Others do it for her. Fogal daughter cries about bad editing and NBC says they will make it all better. She is a 25 yr old married woman and teacher. But she acts like a child for attention and help.

I don't remember Mother Fogal's pray asking for forgiveness. I thought it went something like:

All teams are equal, but we have Jesus as our co-pilot. Thank you. Amen.

LAST EDITED ON 06-29-06 AT 09:53 AM (EST)

Which messages boards? Do you have an URL or Usenet group name?

I would like to read the reactions of these people after the second show and the ones to follow. It is very clear that he has shown one face to his flock and a totally diffirent face for the money.

The NBC message boards for this show has some of Brad's group posting. And they show up around the net on various other ones too.

I hate them, too.

I do give them props for lying to other teams in an attempt to win. I would've done the same thing. It is a game, after all. Of course I'm not claiming I have any religious guidance.
I won't get into the whole hypocrite thing with them since we can all read the TAR:FE forums and replace 'Weaver' with 'Fogel' and get the point.

I hate them 'cause they're so freaking annoying. I've only seen the first episode and I already want to shove a spork in the harpy mother's eye. Don't even get me started on the daughter.

--gotta love Tribe and his awesome siggies!
The idiocy at the NBC forum makes me even more grateful for you guys. You're so...sane.