I have read many historians as well as historical fiction authors (who do loads a research on the time, place and people about which they are writing) who would agree with the show's host, Scott Wolter, that North America was visited by Europeans long before Columbus. I would even go so far as to say that the historical establishment may frown on new theories that contradict prevailing thought, discouraging exploration into new or existing finds with a new viewpoint in mind. Not that long ago two "amateur" archeologists set about looking for a settlement long stated as fact by the establishment as being impossible to have existed in North America. What they found was proof of Vikings living in North America 500 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, the Viking Settlement of L'anse au Meadows. Viking colonization is now the new "fact" that the establishment says can't be disputed. That being said, this show takes the anti-establishment mantra to a whole new level, inferring that if the establishment is against it, they must be hiding something, and therefore the host's contradictory viewpoint must be true. I would have loved to see a much more thorough (and impartial) synopsis of relevant research in the areas being featured on the show, as well as more hard science to back up the claims being made. I am especially confused by the lack of technical information and hard data coming from the host when delving into his "specialty," forensic geology. I am also disappointed by the lack of background information given on the groups of people being credited with creating much fawned-over artifacts. For instance, a whole lot is known about the Freemasons, if one is willing to look, that could shed a lot of light on the development of our society in its early formation. Here is the crux of the dilemma. Is the show designed to bring understanding, or is it purely entertainment. I don't think it is really doing either, although I think Wolter would disagree with me. The "me against the establishment" angle gets old pretty fast, and the show is way too fuzzy on hard evidence. History is very interesting, so much so that you don't need to "jazz it up" to make it entertaining. Do good, solid research, and you will have me glued to the set.

See other user reviews