I've recently discovered a new TV show - Rocket City Rednecks. I started watching it because I heard the guys on a local radio station. They're from Huntsville - the Rocket City and birthplace of the space industry for those unfamiliar with our area - and so I thought I'd support some locals and check it out. And I was hooked! Anytime you can combine rocket scientists (with PhDs), thick southern accents, explosives, guns and drinking beer I'm in.On the radio these guys sounded like the biggest hicks - and I can say that since my own personal scientist sounds pretty similar. They definitely play into the stereotype of a redneck. There's plenty of mention of kegs, camo, hunting and trailers. Although that's were the expected ends. It's clear after the first five minutes that these guys are some of the smartest scientific minds we've got.
What I really love about the show is that the tasks they tackle have real world applications. The first episode I saw they built a rocket and launched it with moonshine. Sure that plays into their image, but it also has far reaching potential - like the ability to power our next generation rockets and space shuttles using a renewable resource like corn. Or building an iron man suit that could protect our troops while in combat zones. Or freezing watermelons because they closely resemble the structure of a comet and figuring out what could actually be used to destroy/deflect one if it was heading for a direct collision with the Earth. They might look like they're just goofing off in the garage on a weekend, but the stuff they come up with has potential.
The five guys on the show are either family or lifelong friends. They share a male bond that's interesting to watch in a research sorta way. And there's just something about a cute, smart guy who respects his daddy the way that Travis does. Seriously, if that isn't hero material, I don't know what is.
So, if you haven't watched Rocket City Rednecks yet I suggest you try it. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It airs on National Geographic at 9 Est/8 Ctl on Wed nights. I can't wait to see what they do next!
Are you a science geek? Have you seen the show? Do you watch something similar like Mythbusters?
Instigator
7 comments:
I was fortunate enough to stumble upon their first program -- and I am hooked also!
Ooohhh, sounds cool! I must check this out.
And its perfect because I'm finding myself slowly moving away from shows I have to watch each week to keep up with. My life is so hectic, I want to be able to just jump right in without having to catch up with the tons of episodes on my DVR if I don't want to.
OMG. How did I miss this? I'm entering it into my "record series" list.
Two Sundays ago there was a rather negative editorial about this show in the local paper. Then last Sunday, Travis wrote this in rebuttal.
Not bad for a redneck, huh?
I can't believe I haven't found this show! Will have to check it out. Thanks! -- LJ
There are a couple of repeats on Saturday morning, 10 and 10:30. I set the DVR to record. :-)
I have somehow missed this show! I love Myth Busters, Car Talk (NPR), and Sons of Guns, so this show sounds like one I'd love.
I just checked "On Demand" and there are 6 episodes available!
Thanks for the tip Instigator.
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