Random Encounters

Spike TV. The overblown hyperbole ladened “men’s” channel. Half the programs are so soaked in Executive decided testosterone that it is often hard to watch. Yet there are a few programs that draw me to the channel, like a bee to honey.

One of them is Deadliest Warrior. The idea behind the show is that it pits two opposite soldiers (or groups of soldiers) against each other. They pair up Knights versus Pirates, William Wallace versus Shaka Zulu, and other pairings.

The show is divided in to two teams who discuss and test the respective weapons for their warrior. At the end of the show all the information is inputed in to a simulation program. After that the results are shown on screen through a filmed reenactment.

I love the reenactment. The way many of them are staged should be seen by many Hollywood battle choreographers. (For one there is no “Shake-y cam.” I hate that….

Here is the last part from the Jesse James gang versus Al Capone’s gang episode:

If you like that, the whole first season can be watched online by clicking here. They also have it out on DVD.

Though I don’t agree with all the results, the show is a hoot to watch. It really gets to the core of that “This is a man’s show” mentality. Spike also has an aftermath web series where the people involved come back and discuss the show, using viewer questions as the foundation. Very cool. I’d love to work on this show.