Jesse James Is a Dead Man (Spike)

Though James is an experienced driver and veteran thrill-seeker, most of these activities are new to him and require some specialized skills. To prepare for the main event, he approaches his stunts with a well-developed action plan. To get ready for the powerful acceleration on the speedy nitro bike, for example, he goes for a spin in a jet fighter ... and then he lets himself be set aflame, just in case he needs to know what it's like to be covered in burning fuel.

Sure, a lot of this is for show, but it also reveals some intelligence. The series uses computer graphics to carefully explain what's going on, from the physics involved in a multiple G-force acceleration to the mechanical failure that can make a high-performance engine blow up. Overall the show is definitely more thoughtful than some stunt spectacular shows; it would work just as well on the "how does it work?" Discovery Channel as it does on all-action testosterone network Spike.