Ep 1. Minimum Wage

In the first episode of season 1 of 30 Days, titled "Minimum Wage," viewers are introduced to Morgan Spurlock, the creator and star of the show. Spurlock is perhaps best known for his documentary film "Super Size Me," in which he ate only McDonald's food for a month to show the negative effects of fast food on the human body. In 30 Days, Spurlock takes on a similar challenge, spending 30 days living a vastly different lifestyle than his own.

In this particular episode, Spurlock and his fiancée Alexandra Jamieson, embark on a month-long challenge to live on minimum wage, which at the time of filming was $5.15 an hour. They leave their comfortable New York City apartment and their well-paying jobs and move to Columbus, Ohio, where they rent a small apartment and work minimum wage jobs.

As the episode begins, Spurlock and Jamieson express their excitement and nervousness about the challenge. They have never relied on minimum wage jobs to pay their bills and are curious to see what it will be like. The show documents their struggles to find work, learn new skills, and make ends meet on such a small income.

Spurlock and Jamieson begin their journey at a local temp agency, where they are quickly qualified to work at a local bakery. The job is physically demanding, and they must start work at 4am each morning. The early mornings, combined with the physical labor, quickly take a toll on their bodies. They also struggle to keep up with their apartment rent, utility bills, and food expenses.

Throughout the episode, Spurlock and Jamieson meet and interview other minimum wage workers who share their struggles with making ends meet. They also talk to business owners and government officials who discuss the impact of minimum wage on the economy.

One poignant moment in the episode occurs when Spurlock and Jamieson visit a food bank to try and supplement their meager grocery budget. They are surprised to find that the majority of the people visiting the food bank are families with children, many of whom also work minimum wage jobs. The experience leaves Spurlock and Jamieson with a newfound appreciation for the difficulties faced by many Americans who struggle to make ends meet.

The episode concludes with Spurlock and Jamieson completing their 30-day challenge. They express their gratitude for the experience, which has taught them the value of hard work and the importance of social programs like food banks and affordable housing. They return to their comfortable lifestyle in New York City, but with a new perspective on the challenges faced by many Americans.

Overall, "Minimum Wage" is an eye-opening and thought-provoking episode of 30 Days. It highlights the difficulties faced by many low-wage workers and encourages viewers to consider the impact of policies like minimum wage on the economy and society as a whole. The episode is emotional and relatable, and viewers are likely to come away with a renewed appreciation for the value of hard work and the importance of social programs to support struggling families.