Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this intriguing series uses scientific research to gauge the likelihood of various theories surrounding archaeological mysteries. Experts in science, history, religion, and mythology offer their views on long-standing questions (the possible location of the Ark of the Covenant, the existence of the doomed Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, etc.). Both parents and kids will be fascinated by the theories, as well as how they're investigated in the series. But you may want to brush up on the episode topics in case your kids need help deciphering anything.
Families can talk about the scientific process. What kinds of science are used in the show? How do the experts use technology to separate fact from theory? How certain are their results? Is it even possible to get a real answer on ancient mysteries? If not, why do people keep trying? Kids: What kinds of science are you interested in? Which theories would you investigate using science?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
In DIGGING FOR THE TRUTH, host Josh Bernstein travels the world in search of clues to some of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries. Using expert testimony, dramatic re-enactments, and high-tech computer-generated imagery, Bernstein presents various theories on each topic and offers scientific facts that either support or disprove them.
Episodes have attempted to answer questions surrounding everything from the fabled lost cities of the Amazon to the location of the Holy Grail and the tools of trade used by mighty Trojan warriors.
Sporting rugged good looks and his trademark explorer hat, Bernstein looks like a plausible stand-in for Indiana Jones, but he does more talking than actual dirt turning on camera. His travels take him to the far corners of the world, where he talks with experts in history, science, religion, and mythology to gather information and try to piece together clues to the topics he's investigating. He often joins archaeological expeditions in progress, reporting on recent discoveries and helping place the facts into context.
For example, one episode delved into the many theories surrounding Atlantis. Bernstein traveled to the Bahamas and to the Mediterranean, following trails that some experts say point to the doomed city's final resting place. Using carbon dating on beach rocks, detailed topographical maps, and cutting-edge tools to gather data from the ocean floor, Bernstein worked alongside experts to test the viability of the varying hypotheses.
If you're looking for hard-and-fast facts and definitive answers to history's mysteries, you won't find them here. But the wealth of information offers plenty of intriguing food for thought. Bernstein also makes the entire discovery process -- which otherwise might be as dry as the artifacts he uncovers -- entertaining and audience friendly by adding touches of suspense ("I've never seen that before!") and explaining in everyday language any technical jargon used by the experts.
Digging for the Truth offers educational entertainment -- and lots to discuss -- for parents and tweens to enjoy together. You may want to read up on the subject matter before tuning in so you can answer your kids' questions, but chances are you'll both learn a lot from this intriguing series.
Fans may also enjoy History Detectives, Is It Real?, and Undercover History.
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ViolenceSome re-enactments and computer-generated images replay battles, floods, volcanoes, and other historic disasters, which occasionally include some shots of blood. |
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Language"Hell" is used rarely. |
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Social BehaviorThe series shows how various disciplines (archaeology, forensic science, history, biology) work together to make sense of clues from ancient mysteries. |
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