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WIFE SWAP
Air Date: Friday, March 06, 2009
Time Slot: 8:00 PM-9:00 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#515) "Chi/Edwards"
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

A MARTIAL ARTS FAMILY WHO VIEW EMOTION AS WEAKNESS SWAP LIVES WITH A PASSIONATE FAMILY OF ACTORS AND CELEBRITY IMPERSONATOR, ON ABC'S "WIFE SWAP"

"Chi/Edwards" - A strict and structured martial arts family who run their family like a business swap lives with unconventional family of actors whose home is drowning in costumes and unpaid bills, on "Wife Swap," FRIDAY, MARCH 6 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In New York, the Chi family is all about getting down to business. Wife Myra (48) turned husband Charles' passion for martial arts into a business, and together they run two successful martial arts schools. Myra is the CEO, Charles (51) is the "product," and kids Meagan (14) and Charles Lee (9) serve as role models to other students. When they aren't putting in exhausting hours at the studio, Myra runs the family's home life much like a corporation. She proudly admits she's the dictator and makes her children sign a document making them citizens of the family. Meagan and Charles Lee have an extensive chore list because Myra admits messiness "distorts her brain." Through martial arts and a tough parenting style, Myra and Charles hope their children will learn the structure, discipline and respect they need to succeed in life.

Meanwhile, the eccentric Edwards family of Washington lives to entertain. Wife Jackie (44) and husband Phil (44) are actors, singers and celebrity impersonators. They own and operate a community theater out of their home, and Jackie spends most of her time swamped in fabric because she's constantly making new costumes. She loves to dress up as Dolly Parton, Mae West or Marilyn Monroe, while Phil dons pirate costumes and delivers singing telegrams. Free-spirited daughter Elisa (15) has few rules and is following in her parents' footsteps, dreaming of acting and singing professionally. With so much creative energy flowing through the house, there's no time for domestics matters. Dishes are only done when it's absolutely necessary, and bills often get lost in the shuffle. But Jackie doesn't worry; she believes, "If life gets messy, just go with it!"

In the first week, Myra Chi leaves behind order and structure to live the chaotic life of Jackie Edwards. While dressing up in Jackie's costumes and trying to run the family's theater, she determines the Edwards aren't marketing their talents in a way that could benefit them financially. With the dishes piled high, clothes strewn about and no organization in sight, Myra has difficulty stomaching the home and dramatically walks out. Meanwhile, upon arrival in New York, free spirit Jackie Edwards finds the immaculate Chi home "sterile." She observes the cold interaction between Charles and his kids as he rewards them with cash for their chores, and worries the blurred lines between family and business might have a negative effect on the kids.

In the second week, when the wives change the rules and turn the tables, Myra Chi and Phil Edwards battle for control. She attempts to empower the family by introducing them to martial arts. Using his newly acquired discipline, Phil sets up a public speaking seminar to help bring in some extra income. At home, Myra wants both Phil and Elisa to pitch in and help organize things. Meanwhile, in the detached Chi home, Jackie Edwards bans all chores and eliminates the family's citizenship agreement. To help bring the family closer together, she asks the Chi kids to give up one of their prized possessions in exchange for quality time with their father. After two weeks in another home, can Myra Chi help the Edwards family live their passion without sacrificing their financial stability? And can Jackie Edwards help the Chis recognize that families are meant to be loving and connected, not run like businesses?

"Wife Swap" is an RDF USA production. It was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Mike Gamson, Stef Wagstaffe and Michael Davies of Embassy Row ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Stephen Pettinger, Neil Regan, Julie Cooper and Will Nothacker are co-executive producers. "Wife Swap" is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

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