If you want to watch a documentary all about the analysis of the bones found under a car park in England and how scientists were able to determine it was, indeed, Richard III...then don't watch this show! Its scope is more specific and limited and I thought it was really fascinating.
While the show talks a bit about the forensics involving the body identification, it was only cursory. The show pretty much says up front 'yep...it was Richard'. The question they then pose is are the accounts of Richard leading his troops in battle CAPABLY and as a true warrior real? After all, it turns out old Dickie DID have a horrible type of scoliosis that caused a huge curve in his spine rightward (not back...which would have made him more a hunchback a la Shakespeare). With such a severe condition would he have been disabled or actually capable of going into battle? After all contemporary accounts talk about him slaying several folks in battle before he, too, was killed. Is this possible? They decided to test this out when the perfect candidate introduced himself. Dominic has an pretty much identical spine AND is into historical recreations already. So, with training, could Dominic ride on a horse capably and make himself into a real soldier?
Overall, this is a wonderful case of 'what if' that is credibly addressed on this show. Considering I am a retired history teacher, it isn't surprising that I'd like it. Whether you will or not just depends on your interests.
While the show talks a bit about the forensics involving the body identification, it was only cursory. The show pretty much says up front 'yep...it was Richard'. The question they then pose is are the accounts of Richard leading his troops in battle CAPABLY and as a true warrior real? After all, it turns out old Dickie DID have a horrible type of scoliosis that caused a huge curve in his spine rightward (not back...which would have made him more a hunchback a la Shakespeare). With such a severe condition would he have been disabled or actually capable of going into battle? After all contemporary accounts talk about him slaying several folks in battle before he, too, was killed. Is this possible? They decided to test this out when the perfect candidate introduced himself. Dominic has an pretty much identical spine AND is into historical recreations already. So, with training, could Dominic ride on a horse capably and make himself into a real soldier?
Overall, this is a wonderful case of 'what if' that is credibly addressed on this show. Considering I am a retired history teacher, it isn't surprising that I'd like it. Whether you will or not just depends on your interests.
