When watching this show, one must immediately question whether or not Bear Grylls actually knows any survival skills. After watching a few episodes, I've come to the conclusion that he does, but he sure isn't using them.
Unfortunately for Bear's reputation, almost all survival techniques that could be employed are being thrown out the window in the name of entertainment. Bear scrambles around like a speed freak, trying to jam as much "danger" into the show as he can. But in a true survival situation, it's quite clear he would be behaving in a completely different manner. For instance, I haven't seen a single episode in which Bear does not voluntarily get soaked with water, a definite survival no-no. He also is generally well equipped, which makes sense in certain situations (such as camping,) but which is unlikely in a true life or death survival situation. The presence of a very well equipped crew, with helicopters and the like, also detracts from the show's attempt to fit in the survival genre.
At least for me, these aspects, and more like them, made it hard to enjoy the show. I tuned in expecting a true survival show, but found something completely different. The show is often entertaining thanks to Bear's stories and often crazy antics, but it reminds me more of a Crocodile Hunter type show that one meant to focus on survival techniques. Not recommended for survival enthusiasts, but still a fun watch on occasion.
Unfortunately for Bear's reputation, almost all survival techniques that could be employed are being thrown out the window in the name of entertainment. Bear scrambles around like a speed freak, trying to jam as much "danger" into the show as he can. But in a true survival situation, it's quite clear he would be behaving in a completely different manner. For instance, I haven't seen a single episode in which Bear does not voluntarily get soaked with water, a definite survival no-no. He also is generally well equipped, which makes sense in certain situations (such as camping,) but which is unlikely in a true life or death survival situation. The presence of a very well equipped crew, with helicopters and the like, also detracts from the show's attempt to fit in the survival genre.
At least for me, these aspects, and more like them, made it hard to enjoy the show. I tuned in expecting a true survival show, but found something completely different. The show is often entertaining thanks to Bear's stories and often crazy antics, but it reminds me more of a Crocodile Hunter type show that one meant to focus on survival techniques. Not recommended for survival enthusiasts, but still a fun watch on occasion.