Miracle Workers

"Miracle Workers" is genuine, naturally sweet and never exploitative.

Although the cynical part of me wants to mock it, [the] series definitely taps into the feel-good reality wave, and strictly from a practical standpoint the procedures are far more laudatory than augmented boobs or, in the case of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," a new porch.

As a reality show, Miracle Workers is unique: It is neither Machiavellian like Survivor, nor messianic, like Three Wishes, nor grotesque, like Fear Factor. It's as serious as life and death.

"Miracle Workers" has its share of the tears and phony drama we've come to expect in television-as-savior programs, but at its best it's more documentary than reality show.

The story of these patients is worthwhile, and even touching, but that doesn't make it excellent television.

The series rings hollow from the moment the opening sequence kicks in, with a tone that screams "infomercial" rather than "docudrama."

It's kind of boring.