MovieChat Forums > History Detectives (2003) Discussion > Dumbed-down History

Dumbed-down History

posted 18 years ago by SouthernDrawl
8 replies | jump to latest

This show was such a disappointment. The concept is compelling but the execution was woefully lacking.

The on-air talent make televised congressional session compelling. These people had none of the charisma (and I suspect academic credentials) of Schama. The diction, dialogue and presence of the on-air talent were so disappointing. The shame of this show is that it will not develop an interest by young people in history.

This looks like a cheap knock-off of Antique Roadshow....ugh!

Let me know if you liked it or didn't.

Nemo me impune lacessit

[–] sarahito 18 years ago

I absolutely disagree with you. I'm not usually a fan of history shows, but I love this one. Most of the hosts are very interesting, especially Zuberi. Perhaps you are referring to the earlier episodes? It's much more intersting now. How you can compare it to Antique Roadshow? History Detectives really investigates the historical importance of the items, while Roadshow just declares their worth after appraisers tell a mere snippet of information about each item.

[–] heyheyheythatswhatisay 17 years ago

I like it, and I'm glad it's back. I love the way the show demonstrates the brass-tacks work of historical research... and I love gazing at Elyse. The style is low key, but it's an interesting approach to exploring the history that's all around us.

[–] SouthernDrawl 17 years ago

I guess that is why there are horse races.

I agree with most the reasons that you like it; however, my basic contention is that it could have been done so much better. I love history programs (usually watch most of them) but find this one to be of poor editorial content (they have such a simplistic and superficial approach to history), production values (the show looks cheap), and on screen performances (only half of the talent should be on the show - the other half should do no more than basic research for the show).

The history programs put out by other production companies are much better than this - this show was a huge missed opportunity.

[–] shadycady 17 years ago

I love this show, and Zuberi and Luray are very well spoken hosts and detectives. They have both personality and charisma especially Zuberi who has a first rate speaking voice.

Mommy to two little monsters

[–] notmtwain 16 years ago

You provide no evidence for any of the claims you are making. It's a wonderful show.

Last night's episode included the World War II diary of a bomber pilot, for example. The man's writing was beautiful and provided insights into the day to day life of a pilot who lived long enough to see a lot of friends lost. Tracking down the daughter he knew about but never got to meet was very moving. Reviewing the history of the bombing group and the incredible danger they faced was far from superficial or simplistic. The thought that they faced a higher mortality rate than the kamikazi flyers was stunning.

As far as the production values, I love them. Showing the detectives sitting around in a library wading through hundreds of boxes of newspapers or other potential sources shows what historical research is really like. It's not usally the stuff of Indiana Jones.

[–] naia_zifu 17 years ago

I love this show, and always look forward to the summer when I know it'll be coming on. I do wish the show would go more into detail about the stories they're presenting, and I could do without those simplistic little snippets between the stories that tell you things you already know, but other than that I think it's really fun. I especially love watching Tukufu, because he gets the best cases and seems to bring the most enthusiasm to his work.

[–] RondoHatton 15 years ago

I enjoy the show, but Elyse Luray drives me crazy(and not in a fun way): she's constantly misstating things and making factual errors.
And this past episode, the wonderfully moving portion with Wes Cowan finding the sister & daughter of the B-24 pilot was spoilt for me by the constant use of inaccurate archival footage. Like the History Channel, any black & white footage of any airplane is good enough.
But ignoring Luray's doubtful contributions, I find the other presenters very good.

[–] sd619rules 14 years ago

The show is the top rated PBS show-so the notion that it is lacking in ANYTHING is ridiculous.

ALL of the hosts are excellent and each have their own style.

In fact they all compliment each other very well.

Elyse Luray is fantastic.