Reviews

Just watched what must be the third episode and we are rapidly losing interest. The script is tolerable because the acting is strong, even though the characters could each get killed off one-by-one and it could be accepted without one drop of sympathy or surprise. The muddled tone is weird and offsetting. There does not seem to be even one personality in the cast who reacts with positive emotion, purpose or professionalism. But the worst part for us had to be the music that tries to create pathos in slow motion scenes that are too long, too drawn out and just very boring. After a full minute of grimacing close ups of faces, horse parts, jockey parts, and painful slow motion, it was a relief just to finish a race no matter which horse won or lost. The violins were especially out of place because they just didn't fit the "action" at all.

If you are real archaeologist and scholar, I could see getting upset with Mr. J., the "naked archaeologist." To me (not one), he is just a showboat. Calling it "Naked" means pandering to get attention. Getting himself "crucified " is a good example. I could not watch that show. But I could not watch Mel Gibson's movie about that topic either. But on the positive side, the locales they visit are real. And he does engage real people in the field who argue all the time with each other anyway. I like any approach to civil discussion about ancient times that doesn't get all misty and religious and doctrinaire. So the show is usually quite fun to watch despite the obvious ego bumping. I give the show a solid "B" and look forward to next week.