Ep 4. Jake / Shirley

Jake and Shirley are the focal points of the fourth episode of season one of Hoarders, a reality TV show that explores the lives of people who struggle with compulsive hoarding disorder. Hoarding is a serious mental health disorder that affects a person's ability to discard items that are no longer needed. As a result, over time, their living environment becomes cluttered and unsafe.

In the beginning, viewers catch a glimpse of Jake's hoarding behavior. He has accumulated so many things over the years that he can barely move around his two-bedroom apartment. Everywhere you look, there are stacks of books, piles of clothes, and old electronics. It's particularly alarming because, on the show, Jake reveals that he never throws anything out. He even admits to keeping his own soiled tissues because he doesn't want to waste them.

Jake's hoarding has gotten so bad that he can no longer use his oven because it's buried beneath piles of garbage. Instead, he uses a hot plate to cook his food. In addition to the living room, kitchen, and bathroom, his hoarding has also taken over both bedrooms. The living conditions are so bad that the team of professional organizers and psychologists who have come to help him recognizes that it's a safety hazard. But Jake admits that he's not willing to change his ways. His stubbornness causes tension among the team, and they're afraid they won't be able to help him.

Meanwhile, the second part of the episode focuses on Shirley, an elderly woman who lives in a modest home with her husband. When the show's crew arrives, they're greeted by the unbearable stench of cat urine. It's so bad that the team has to wear protective masks and gloves to enter the house. Shirley's hoarding has been enabled by her husband, who gives her money to buy more things. The couple's children have been trying to get them to clean up their home for years, but with no success.

Throughout the house, the team discovers countless piles of clothes, broken appliances, and stacks of paperwork. Shirley is also hoarding animals, and there are over 50 cats living in the home. The cats' litter boxes are overflowing, and there's no clean space for them to play or rest. The team is afraid the cats' living conditions are inhumane, and they take immediate action to remove them from the house.

As the team begins to work with Shirley, they quickly realize she's a complicated case. Shirley reveals that she doesn't believe her hoarding is a problem, and she's not interested in getting rid of anything. She's afraid that if she throws something away, she'll need it later on. Her husband seems to be supportive of her, but the team worries that they'll never get him to understand that Shirley's hoarding is a serious issue.

The professional organizers and psychologists work tirelessly to sort through the piles of junk in Jake and Shirley's homes. They offer emotional support and encouragement, but there are many setbacks along the way. Jake and Shirley's hoarding habits have taken years to develop, and they're reluctant to change. The team is frustrated, and at times, even shocked by the volume of clutter in the homes. They question whether they're making a difference or whether they're fighting a losing battle.

Overall, the fourth episode of Hoarders is an emotional rollercoaster. The audience is taken on a journey that highlights the complexities of hoarding disorder. The show does an excellent job of providing a fresh perspective on the issue, showing the human element of the disease. It's a reminder that behind the clutter and mess, there are people who need help. The episode showcases the commitment of the team members who work selflessly to make a difference in the lives of those affected by this debilitating disorder.