“Real estate television is heavily focused on positioning – but often skims over the emotional connection with viewers. This isn’t an issue for the house renovation show, ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ (RTÉ2, Thursday, 9.35pm), which narrates the poignant story of a Dundalk family dealing with the harsh complex realities of life, this week.
The much-loved show makes a sob-inducing return for its 7th season. The episode kicks off with designer Dee Coleman and builder Peter Finn encountering Claire and Pearse, a couple residing in a bungalow that also houses their three children and Claire’s mother, Doreen (and their pet dog, Tony).
Last year, Coleman stepped into the role previously held by Róisín Murphy in Home Rescue. She brings much to the table – lots of understanding, positivity, but is careful not to over-promise. Together with Finn, she dedicates a considerable amount of time – both appearing sincerely committed to seeing the project to completion.
A house is always more than just four walls – Claire and Pearse’s situation perfectly embodies this. Doreen’s husband, Pat, a retired firefighter now suffering from dementia and under care, constructed the bungalow.
Doreen expresses her deep sorrow as Coleman aids her in clearing out the clutter (early signs of dementia saw Pat start to hoard). “My soulmate is no longer here,” Doreen mourns. “He’s present in spirit but not physically. None of these items hold any value for me anymore.”
[ Forget about finding out if it’s cake – don’t dare show your naughtiest child this show! They may already believe everything might be cake ]”
With Pat now in supported care, the expectation was that Doreen would have to move into an assisted living home. However, the alternative solution was for Claire, Pearse, and their children to move in. This situation made for a crowded household of six in a relatively small space. Another factor in the challenging living situation was nine-year-old Odhrán, who is on the autism spectrum, and previously had a sensory room in their old home, which wasn’t possible to provide in the cramped settings.
When Coleman and Finn arrive with their team of skilled bricklayers, carpenters and electricians, it also marked a meaningful return for Finn to Co Louth. Finn once played for Dundalk FC in the past, a time when he concedes they were not doing too well. He humorously suggests that the team’s rise in fortunes might have coincided with his departure.
Bit by bit, they tirelessly worked to transform the house, even managing to create a sensory room for Odhrán. This was an unexpected gift, one that struck Pearse so deeply, he was moved to tears. Pearse admitted his surprise at the intensity of his emotions while wiping away his tears. The proud moment of unveiling Odhrán’s new sensory room marked an emotional finale to a heartfelt episode.