rmuntaqim57 Reviews

The Agenda with Steve Paikin (2006– )

Can be a bit dull, but top notch moderating saves it

[8/10 · 31 May 2017]

Quite honestly, The Agenda is one of the best shows regarding political discussion in Canadian media. Any decision in the Canadian political landscape is thoroughly discussed and disseminated. While national news can do this, it often glosses over the issue because of time restraints, an understandable issue but still a significant one.

Aside from the thoroughness, Steve Paikin is one of the best moderators in both national and international news. He allows both sides of an issue to explain themselves and doesn't allow for the either side to meander into their own talking points. He seems to be one of the few people who truly appear to be unbiased.

While the show can be a bit dull at times (depending on your interests- if you don't have an interest in the minutiae of Canadian history, the show won't always grab your attention), but with Paikin's moderation allows for valuable discussion.

If you want to genuinely try and understand the Canadian political landscape, give the show a try.

Bill Nye Saves the World (2017–2018)

Despite Bill Nye, Lacks Focus, Entertainment, and Interesting Science

[3/10 · 29 April 2017]

Look, I'm a large fan of Bill Nye. What he often stands for, while a bit political for my liking, is based in scientific fact. For example, his debate with Ken Ham was immensely engaging. But even Bill Nye can't save this show.

The first episode on climate change essentially consisted of basic scientific facts (yes, we know substances expand when heated), a somewhat interesting piece on climate change in Italy and a 20 minute segment where people couldn't legitimately produce anything insightful based in scientific fact. For example, they argued against nuclear power with the arguments, "people don't want them", and that there currently exists some legal barriers. The show then concluded with Bill Nye and Zach Braff chanting their way to convince us into climate change.

The end result of that episode is a lack of anything. It won't convince anyone who remains skeptical because it didn't provide any insightful scientific information. It isn't engaging because it just goes from segment to segment without reason. And it isn't informative because it dumbs down every point such that it only appeals to 5th graders. Which is ironic because Bill Nye's 1990's show which did appeal to 5th graders, was much more informative and engaging to all audiences.

Also watching clips of other episodes, there is an undeniable pushing of left views, which has no place in what ought to be a show informing us of science in an appealing way. Mixing in political views into genuine issues such as climate change only makes it more difficult to convince people of these scientific truths.

Unless you're a die-hard fan of Bill Nye who isn't looking to be informed in any manner, don't watch this show.