Destination Truth to Premiere September 3rd, 2009

In 2008, the little cable show that could, the second season of the Sci Fi Channel's, "Destination Truth" premiered on March 5th. I've been combing the internet recently for information on when the next season would premiere. As early March came and went, and I didn't hear any information, I started to fear that my beloved cryptozoological monster hunters would not return at all. However, after some major digging, I have found a premiere date. According to the forums on SciFi.com, the show will return on September 3rd, 2009. While I'm not thrilled about having to wait so much longer to get to see it, I am happy that it's coming back for sure. Hey, if I could survive the change of release date for "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" getting pushed to this July, anything is possible. Where my geeks at?

So what is it about this show that's got me in such anticipation and what will the newest season have in store for loyal viewers and curious newbies? Well, this show at first may look like just another ghost-hunting show full of confusing night-vision shots and lacking in any major findings. But it's actually quite different. For starters, they're not primarily after ghosts; they're after mythological creatures and cryptozoological phenomenon. So it's more of a monster show and less about the paranormal.

Also, the show does an excellent job of breaking down local belief systems, folklore, and superstitions in all of the locations they visit. The team never heads out assuming that what they are looking for is real, and often the show becomes more about exploring the origin of the folklore that birthed the legendary creatures they're in search of. Each episode manages to be a fascinating sociological mini-documentary that is just as much about disproving legends as it is about proving them, which gives the show added credibility. Anyone who has travelled third world areas will really appreciate the show's willingness to delve into this interesting subject matter. It also works as a nature documentary at times, allowing you to see little-known locations that have not often been filmed.

But what really makes the show is the host, Josh Gates. Gates is sort of like a real-life Peter Venkman who goes on Indiana Jones-like travels. He's funny and it's his witty improve-like commentary in unexpected situations that brings the show's entertainment value. He's got a strong on-screen presence and is also quite tall and broad, which usually makes him stand out among many of the third world locations he visits. This also provides fodder for Gates' comedic improv between himself and the locals.

Also entertaining to watch is the chemistry between the crew, who has become tight-knit over their travels across the world together and doesn't even try to maintain that far too serious, "Ghost Hunters" like vibe. Instead, the Destination Truth crew comes across as unpretentious, accessible to any viewer, and always hilarious. (Though I could stand for them to find a better couple of women to tag along who are just as brave and interested as Gates himself.)

The show manages to contain some aspects of other survivalist shows as well, such as "Survivorman" and, "Man Vs. Wild", because the crew also ends up often out in the elements with nothing but jackets, flashlights, and cameras. They've been stormed on, snowed on, freezing, lost, and more. It's quite the vicarious adventure just watching them navigate the areas they visit and at times contending with the local wildlife. There have been a few situations that seemed legitimately dangerous, and the show is filmed in such a basic way, that I tend to find it very believable. I don't think its editing tricks, I think they really go to these strange and dangerous lengths to explore these locations.

One of the funniest moments came in the last episode of season 1 watching Gates' react to an Argentinean local who claimed that he was turning into a Werewolf, or, "El Lobizon". As the man writhed and wriggled and did not, in fact, transform into a werewolf, Gates' observations and facial expressions were hilarious. This is just one instance of the show's reflection of that old saying, "The truth is stranger than fiction".

So what are we in store for this season? Gates and crew, according to Wikipedia, will visit Chernobyl, a lake in Turkey, Alaska, Florida, and they will also return to Nepal to resume their search for the Yeti, which yielded surprisingly significant results upon their last visit in season 2. This location list is interesting, because Gates has never looked for these creatures within the United States before. But perhaps the economy is forcing them to get creative.

No matter what the reason, I'm looking forward to the show and I would highly recommend that you give Destination Truth a chance to entertain you when it premieres this September. You just might be surprised as you watch this unique spin on a sometimes over-used concept. Josh Gates, the unique monsters they're searching for, and the seemingly raw and real way they go about that will captivate you and interest you. It's a sure bet for any biology geeks or adventure junkies. Whether you're an established fan or not, I encourage you to tune in this September.