Mythbusters (Discovery Channel, BBC2)

[stu neville]

The series has been mentioned a fair bit in the course of other threads, not just UL ones, but I thought we could do with a thread about the programme itself.

I do like the series, and make a point of watching them (Discovery, in the UK at least, has them on a seemingly permanent loop, though I found the truncated BBC2 version didn't really work), but having just re-read the discussion about their recreation of "Archimedes' Death Ray" within the wider Archimedes thread (on this page), it seems to me that their attitude to the myth before testing occasionally influences just how hard they'll try to prove or disprove it - anyone else noticed this?

Also, does anyone else find their methodology occasionally a bit suspect - there have been times when the result has seemed just a bit too neat...

 

[crunchy5]

I like the program and the team and make an effort to watch it most days, especially when I have my sons over, they think it's ace, I also regularly wish I was a citizen of the US when they get the good kit out, stuff that would be impossible to buy in the UK. I acknowledge your slight misgivings but just think" hey it's a fun tv prog" and go with the flow.

 

[Anome]

I think they actually take some of the more "ridiculous" myths more seriously than some of the others. Largely because they know, at least by now, that they will never hear the end of it unless they are absolutely thorough.

It's one of my favourite shows on television. Except it's not on just now.

 

[stu neville]

Oh yeah, it's only a minor quibble - 90% of the time from the entertainment POV the outcome isn't nearly as important as the process they adopt to test it anyway, and the whole team are very engaging, and TBH I'd watch it regardless .

Perhaps it's a personal thing, but I do prefer it with the UK voiceover, The BBC2 version kept the US narration, and it was just too exciteable IMHO. US TV does seem to specialise in finding presenters who can't stay still and sound really really pumped-up about everything."YEAH!! Right now we're goin over to Jenna who's lookin at a Coffee Machine that's gonna CHANGE our WORLD!!!" Anyway, perhaps that's just British snobbery .

Back OT, favourite myths, anyone?

 

[Anonymous]

I have some dodgey links to Mythbusters (offhand - seasons 1 to 5) which let you watch the episodes online.

Is it okay to post them?

EDIT - sod it...

Link #1

 

[Pietro_Mercurios]

My son likes it and 've watched a few too. It does give a reasonable idea of what science and experiments are really all about. The on the hoof building of test rigs, helps. They enjoy explosions a lot.

Some of the stuff does seem more 'tailored' to fit the entertainment end of the show.

Not as scientifically thorough as 'Local Heroes' Better than 'Brainiac.' Also, nowhere near as good as 'Rough Science. But, good.

 

[Yithian]

I've been re-watching these from the beginning on Netflix as I deal with a stack of mindless typing. I know that it isn't yet that old, but picture-quality aside the first couple of series still stand up really well and are eminently watchable. I must say though, dropping the 'expert' on myths and sociology was wise - she's dull, rarely informative and a waste of valuable screen time.

 

[Naughty_Felid]

I've been re-watching these from the beginning on Netflix as I deal with a stack of mindless typing. I know that it isn't yet that old, but picture-quality aside the first couple of series still stand up really well and are eminently watchable. I must say though, dropping the 'expert' on myths and sociology was wise - she's dull, rarely informative and a waste of valuable screen time.

The first series was a bit painful, as you say dropping the expert worked. I think it probably took off between season 3 and 4 around the time Scotty, (who I liked), left.

 

[Yithian]

I'm quite enjoying the second series, but - as you suggest - they are still finding their feet.