As someone who might take a bullet for my "Class of 3000" lunchbox, I get the allure of collectibles.
Yet while watching "Collection Intervention" (10 tonight, Syfy) I couldn't help shaking my head and thinking, "These people are sad."
That's because these collectors have moved into hoarder/addict range; many tears are shed over Star Wars figurines. Thank goodness for Elyse Luray, a former vice president, auctioneer and head of the popular arts at Christie's who comes in and helps the crazed cull their collections and reclaim their homes.
In the premiere episode, we meet a couple who are ardent Star Wars fans, she more than he. (Wait till you see a clip of their Star Wars theme wedding.) They started out with a room devoted to the iconic show; when Luray joins them, it's actually Obi-Wan's house, the couple just lives there.
A second couple includes a man who loves Catwoman. His spouse has taken a hard line, so his collection is in the garage where he doesn't have the chance to enjoy it or properly preserve it. And they're in debt.
Luray isn't touchy-feely but she is understanding; she gets the emotional attachment folks have and that there are deep psychological reasons for that attachment. But she's not there for healing. She's there to clean out or streamline the collection for value's sake. She never loses that focus.
"Collection Intervention" much like "Hoarders" is fun to watch because you get to see what's behind folks' closed doors, what their passions are and what their issues are. Plus ,with this show, you get a nice little historical tour through American pop culture.
Assistant Features Editor Adrienne Johnson Martin would like to have her life turned into an animated cartoon.