All this show really did was make me miss Time Team. I enjoyed that it had more female representation then your average archeology show, but it really didn't cover enough of the actual archeology. They could have done a lot better job if they limited the amount of time they spent getting there and more time on the actual site.
6 Reviews
Missed potential because of the format and host.
calgarywino6 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After watching Time Team I was hoping for a series of similar quality and had hopes for this show, but it missed the boat (literally, in the first episode).
The three core team members seemed competent but they were made to seem much less so by the format and editing. The show, instead of concentrating on what was important, the archaeology, stressed the elements physical danger far too much. This left the program with little meat on the bones as I felt that most people watching the program were "there" for the archaeological content and not the drama.
Finally, the host /narrator/presenter had very little personality or knowledge and at times seemed quite arrogant, antagonistic and condescending towards the experts. In fact, he seemed to treat them more like silly little sisters than like highly trained and competent experts that they were. He was far too pervasive and added very little except irritation, after all, was the show about him or archaeology? Perhaps he should have shut up and let them talk about what they knew about!
In trying to grasp some of the Time Team magic they've missed it almost totally and I feel sorry for the three ladies because this program certainly had potential.
The three core team members seemed competent but they were made to seem much less so by the format and editing. The show, instead of concentrating on what was important, the archaeology, stressed the elements physical danger far too much. This left the program with little meat on the bones as I felt that most people watching the program were "there" for the archaeological content and not the drama.
Finally, the host /narrator/presenter had very little personality or knowledge and at times seemed quite arrogant, antagonistic and condescending towards the experts. In fact, he seemed to treat them more like silly little sisters than like highly trained and competent experts that they were. He was far too pervasive and added very little except irritation, after all, was the show about him or archaeology? Perhaps he should have shut up and let them talk about what they knew about!
In trying to grasp some of the Time Team magic they've missed it almost totally and I feel sorry for the three ladies because this program certainly had potential.
Experts of all kinds
brownthrasher-255544 March 2021
There is definitely some brute force required, as well as expertise in other fields, so it couldn't be all women. Their approach to the site seemed unnecessarily daring-do but I am sure there were reasons not shared. Good team work. Much like "Time Team" but with less exploration of literature or simulations. Liked the input of the Geologist. Gripping initially, but slowed down as time wore on. C-14 validated the time, helping archeologists who come back another day.
Use a boat!!!!!
mmenke015 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The whole first episode was billed as some dangerous site at the edge of a river. They make it seem so dangerous to get to and you could literally park a boat on it! After 45 minutes they finally decide to use and boat and that's the episode! So unbelievably frustrating
contrived or incompetent - you decide
Echo9-7115 August 2021
"Extreme Archeolgy" is a wonderful idea, no doubt inspired by some of the most challenging hilltop sites, cave digs and underwater excavations seen on the classic "Time Team" archeology series. I was excited to see the very special archeology found at these types of sites. I was looking forward to seeing nifty technology, clever methodology, and expert planning.
I was disappointed.
Alas, these "extreme archeologists" seemed to be amateurs lacking common sense, or at least any thoughtful preparation. There were moments when they were lucky not to get themselves killed! How could this be? Can university professors be so reckless? Or had they conspired with producers to make these expeditions seem more dangerous than they needed to be...
Maybe some people will enjoy the psuedo-dramatic "reality TV" aspect of it. There certainly are plenty of perfect moments for viewers to yell at the team's foolish behaviour being displayed on their TVs.
Others may see it as a brilliant comedy of errors.
Regardless, there is little to be learned about real archeology or expeditionary technique. So, for me, watching this was waste of time. I had expected better from Katie Hirst and Alice Roberts - capable and engaging professionals who were not well served by the way this show was executed.
I was disappointed.
Alas, these "extreme archeologists" seemed to be amateurs lacking common sense, or at least any thoughtful preparation. There were moments when they were lucky not to get themselves killed! How could this be? Can university professors be so reckless? Or had they conspired with producers to make these expeditions seem more dangerous than they needed to be...
Maybe some people will enjoy the psuedo-dramatic "reality TV" aspect of it. There certainly are plenty of perfect moments for viewers to yell at the team's foolish behaviour being displayed on their TVs.
Others may see it as a brilliant comedy of errors.
Regardless, there is little to be learned about real archeology or expeditionary technique. So, for me, watching this was waste of time. I had expected better from Katie Hirst and Alice Roberts - capable and engaging professionals who were not well served by the way this show was executed.
Managed through 2 episodes
jdprdise-9536820 February 2021
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