The Colony: New Discovery Show

[slyc_willie]

I've been seeing previews for this new Discovery Channel reality show, and it looks interesting. Essentially, ten men and women, pulled from modern society, are placed in a controlled environment that mimics a supposedly post-apocalyptic scenario. No electricity, no running water, no modern amenities except those which the survivors can create for themselves.

Info Here.

The first episode airs this Tuesday. I suspect the producers were careful when picking the ten 'survivors,' ensuring a general cross-section of Americans while at the same time cultivating some pretty good drama to foment interest in the show. I figure The Colony will be equal parts Survivor and Survivorman. Still, it stands to be interesting fare. I've already scheduled my DVR to record each episode.

 

[Handley_Page]

"Over the course of the 10-week experiment, the Colonists must work together to build the necessities of survival, such as a water-filtration system, a battery bank that powered their electricity, a solar cooker, a shower system and a greenhouse – and even some niceties (a coffee maker!)."

WTF ?
A battery bank, solar cooker, shower ?
Oh, come one. That's hardly the thing, is it ?. I mean, you got to make a fire and find water and food first.
And they get the coffee beans from where ?

Unless, of course their 'carefully chosen' site includes a few niceties.

 

[jomar]

I've been seeing previews for this new Discovery Channel reality show, and it looks interesting. Essentially, ten men and women, pulled from modern society, are placed in a controlled environment that mimics a supposedly post-apocalyptic scenario. No electricity, no running water, no modern amenities except those which the survivors can create for themselves.

Info Here.

The first episode airs this Tuesday. I suspect the producers were careful when picking the ten 'survivors,' ensuring a general cross-section of Americans while at the same time cultivating some pretty good drama to foment interest in the show. I figure The Colony will be equal parts Survivor and Survivorman. Still, it stands to be interesting fare. I've already scheduled my DVR to record each episode.

The history channel did that when they sent people "back" to the 1700s for a summer.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

In SLICKS'S case a bowl of ALPHABITS cereal amuses him for a week. ALPHABITS likewise inspired James Joyce to write FINEGAN'S WAKE.

 

[redpaint]

I'll have to check it out.Never know it could be a good show.

 

[slyc_willie]

"Over the course of the 10-week experiment, the Colonists must work together to build the necessities of survival, such as a water-filtration system, a battery bank that powered their electricity, a solar cooker, a shower system and a greenhouse – and even some niceties (a coffee maker!)."

WTF ?
A battery bank, solar cooker, shower ?
Oh, come one. That's hardly the thing, is it ?. I mean, you got to make a fire and find water and food first.
And they get the coffee beans from where ?

Unless, of course their 'carefully chosen' site includes a few niceties.

It's an urban setting, supposedly to mimic what might happen in a post-apocalyptic world. So there would be things to scavenge.

But I'm sure there will be a few hand-outs.

The history channel did that when they sent people "back" to the 1700s for a summer.

I remember that, but The Colony apparently includes some additional "real" danger in the form of new members who join after the first episode and apparently try to steal what the colonists have scavenged. At least, that's according to the blurbs posted about the first five episodes.

* * * *

(Funny stuff, old man.)

 

[SeaCat]

It does look a bit interesting, but then again so did "Survivor" and "The Alaska Experiment". (At least the Alaska Experiment kept me amused but then again I'm easily amused by people doing stupid things.)

I'll watch the first episode or two and see what happens.

Cat

 

[Elianna]

Sounds like a Kevin Costner film...

 

[slyc_willie]

Sounds like a Kevin Costner film...

*snerk*

You mean, he did more than just Dances With Wolves and Bull Durham?

 

[penandpaper]

This sounds interesting... Although I'm already maxed out on the number of shows I record and watch each week (3). Might have to give it a try though. I like the extra people coming in and stealing. It reminds me of the spy in the series "Who Wants to be a Superhero." That was entertaining. Good ole Stan Lee.

 

[slyc_willie]

This sounds interesting... Although I'm already maxed out on the number of shows I record and watch each week (3). Might have to give it a try though. I like the extra people coming in and stealing. It reminds me of the spy in the series "Who Wants to be a Superhero." That was entertaining. Good ole Stan Lee.

Damn, I miss that show. So campy and over the top, but the contestants really got into it.

Guess I'll just have to watch Tuesday night and see how it goes. I have a feeling most of my expectations won't be met, but I might be surprised.

 

[amicus]

Expectations met, Slyc?

I am reserving opinions as the first episode draws to a close....the lack of a 'leader', in my not so humble opinion, needs to be addressed....as it has the feel of a 'commune', where everyone is treated equal and we all know it just ain't that way....

What sayest thou?



ami

 

[slyc_willie]

Apologies for not having watched the initial airing of the first episode. The Little One's Antics kept me from seeing it until the midnight re-cast.

That said . . . .

I like the way the scenario is being handled. They begin with six initial survivors, keeping them deprived of sleep, food and water for thirty hours before sending them on their mission to find 'Sanctuary.' The backdrop of the show is one in which the majority of the population has been killed by a viral outbreak, which is, apparently, the most likely scenario for such an apocalyptic setting.

What I find most interesting is the background of these first six. Most are professionals; a computer engineer, an aeronautics engineer, a nurse, a doctor, a mechanical engineer . . . and a 'handyman.'

The attention to certain details is interesting. Cleanliness as relating to health, the scavenging of food, making fire, securing their new home . . . the presence of 'marauders' early on gives a foreshadowing of what's to come.

And then are introduced four more tenants to the Sanctuary on the second day. I really like how this little wrinkle was introduced. The initial six are suspicious and hesitant of the newcomers, but they allow them in. One of the new arrivals, Joey, becomes the immediate object of suspicion to me because of his verbosity. He challenges handyman Michael right away, but then backs off. There will be friction between these two down the road.

There is the necessary "kumbaya" moment in which all ten get to know each other over dinner on the second night, interspersed with reflections by some of the others saying that Michael and John went too far in inspecting the newcomer's baggage.

There is obvious tension, right from the start, between those who are hell-bent on survival of the fittest and those who want to save as many as possible.

I agree that the lack of a leader needs to be addressed. In a small group, it could be argued that no individual need take more responsibility than any other. But in a survival situation, there needs to be clear planning and a respected authority. Someone has to make the tough decisions on behalf of the others.

So far, my vote is for Michael the Handyman. He's demonstrated the basic precepts of survival so far. But ER nurse Allison also has her own charisma and survival instincts.

As for the 'turncoat?' My current thinking is Vladimir.

 

[amicus]

Nice recap & summary, Slyc, I know I will watch at least one more and see if it keeps my interest.

There have been so many 'post apocalyptic' scenario's written and screened that I doubted I would find any interest in this at all. I also noticed the lack of 'young' perhaps impetuous people and children, even babies, that in a real event might well have been included.

And in view of the many I and most likely you have seen, the total absence of weapons is unrealistic as the so called, 'marauders' would have looted gun shops or had personal weapons.

So far, 'sex' has not raised its' lovely head and after a week, I am certain that pair bonding and competition would have ensued in a 'real' situation with the Alpha Male emerging and choosing his female.

Yes, I am being a bit over critical perhaps and cynical as Discovery Channel, with "Deadliest Catch", "Ice Road Truckers" seem to have stumbled on a winning combination of tension and action in 'quasi' documentary style, a thing I have learned to be suspicious of for basic motivations and the 'message', included in the programs.

Ah, well, about what you might expect from me? heh....



Ami

 

[slyc_willie]

Heh, Ami, we seem to be on the same track. I wonder if that will put me on someone's ignore list?

Considering that The Colony is, at its heart, a television show, including the reality of scavenged weapons would be a big no-no for the underwriting insurance agency. So, some realism had to be sacrificed for the purpose of the show. I figure the same holds true for the inclusion of any under-aged participants.

Regarding sex . . . I dunno. There are some definite possibilities between the survivors. Between Joey and Michael, the two most likely candidates for the Alpha Male role, there may be some interesting developments. Not that any of the women are submissive babes in the woods. Allison and Leilani definitely have fire.

I think, though, that the stress given by the producers will concentrate on the action of democracy in the face of survival. While some, such as Michael, will be viewed as leaders due to their persistent nature and ability, that role will be downplayed against the power of a small group dynamic to overcome odds.

 

[amicus]

Well, at least the program has us talking about it and prognosticating....so I guess thas a good thing...there aren't that many programs I watch with any regularity outside the news and geek channels...with you, at least I am in good company...cheers and all the best for you and yours...

Ami

 

[slyc_willie]

Well, at least the program has us talking about it and prognosticating....so I guess thas a good thing...there aren't that many programs I watch with any regularity outside the news and geek channels...with you, at least I am in good company...cheers and all the best for you and yours...

Ami

Cheers to you as well, Ami.

I'm off to bed at last.

 

[amicus]

Had to scroll back four pages to find the thread...guess not many are viewing the series, eh?

Enjoyed the one tonight, learned something, 'wood gas', if ever I had known of the process, I have forgotten....Michael, with no education, barely read or write seems to be the one who gets things done....the older guy with prior military service, showed his metal on the 'expedition....one 'lady' would rather have toilet paper than electricity, eh? Heh!

And milk from the goat, with a kid, certainly possible but I wonder how they make cheese without rennet?

Think the big truck is a mistake...but impressed by the manufacturing of the wood gas fueling the small engine and the charger, that was quite an accomplishment...

Ami

 

[3113]

The history channel did that when they sent people "back" to the 1700s for a summer.

They had battery banks and solar cookers back then?

 

[SeaCat]

Sorry, forgot about this thread.

I have watched the first two episodes and find it has some promise.

The lack of a leader is showing but I have a feeling that this will only endure so long. A leader will be picked but who it is I don't know although I don't think it will be the Handyman. I see a lot of tension being caused when the leader is finally selected, too many of the people involved are the kinds with high thoughts of themselves.

The lack of weapons is a disturbing trend but I agree it may be because of the public viewing.

We shall see how things develope.

Cat

 

[slyc_willie]

I didn't have the chance to watch it last night -- Little One's antics demanded my attention. I also forgot to record it, so I'll have to see if it airs again over the weekend.

But I have to say, Ami and Cat, your comments make me wish I had seen it.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I haven't seen but the one episode last night and wasn't really into the dynamics of the personalities yet. But the wood gasification idea was brilliant and getting the internal combustion engine to run on it...some things are just good to know. Even in my old age.

 

[3113]

The lack of weapons is a disturbing trend but I agree it may be because of the public viewing.

Darn skippy! Think of how good the ratings would be if they could actually shoot each other

 

[slyc_willie]

Darn skippy! Think of how good the ratings would be if they could actually shoot each other

Give it a few more years. With the way reality shows are gobbling up the ratings, eventually we'll have our own Running Man.

 

[slyc_willie]

Bumping so I can find it in half an hour when the show's over.