So, every fall I have my yearly geek out, (ok, so it's probably not my only one), when SyFy's hit show "Destination Truth" comes back for another season of world travel, big foot hunts and paranormal encounters. Where the show really wins me over is seeing the places that they visit, spending in time every episode introducing the culture of the people where the show is taken place. Plus, if you love nature but are too lazy to go on a hike, (like me), it's a great way to see some really exotic wilderness.
If you couldn't tell by the opening paragraph, the show is about creatures like Big Foot, aliens and any other natural phenomenon that's yet to be discovered but people believe in. A team of experts in film, photography, archeology and technology star in the show as they investigate an area looking for anything that doesn't fit the normal profile. The show's investigations follow a similar pattern every episode, with the team setting up a base camp and spreading on foot. Using set cameras to film in every direction, they do end up catching a lot, just not usually anything paranormal. The team collects evidence that they find such as feathers, scat and bones that are tested back in the states.
The program is hosted and starred by Josh Gates, who was an avid traveler and explorer before joining the show. A graduate of Boston's Tuffs University, Gates holds degrees in both archeology and drama. His work has taken him from sub-sea excavations in the Mediterranean to Africa and across Asia. Leading his team around the world, Gates brings humor to the show that makes it fun to watch. From goofing around in villages, pulling over to ask directions from a grazing cow and other random pranks, Gates' goofball personality brings out the best in the cast.
The show has managed to actually come up with internationally recognized evidence. During a show taping in Eastern Nepal, the team discovered a large footprint, similar to the described "Yeti" that was believed to inhabit the region. While the footprint is the subject for debate with some thinking that it was faked, the discovery made a huge splash in certain media circles.
"Destination Truth" has been a guilty pleasure of mine for years, and has caused me to skip doing my class work to catch a marathon more than a few times. Sure, it may not be the coolest show to admit that you watch to a group of strangers, but it's fun and definitely better than struggling through an episode of "Vampire Diaries." Whether you're just a bit of a Big Foot fanatic, a nature buff, or just love to see shows that take you to places around the world, it has something for everyone.
Be sure to check out the "Destination Truth" season four premiere on Thurs., Sept. 9 at 9 p.m. on SyFy.
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