John T. Ryan
THE ALMIGHTY SURE does move in the most mysterious ways! If it weren't for the Lord, a case of Insomnia and Channel Surfing, we would probably never have neither seen, nor heard of this series. We crossed paths this past week and found the result to be very pleasantly surprised.TO BEGIN WITH, we've never been a big fan of the so-called "Reality Series"; not that there isn't a lot of potential here (obviously), but, all too often there is less "Reality" and an overabundance obvious staging, preparation, editing & cross-cutting of material and out and out scripting. Whereas we do realize that this is inevitable and inherently necessary, it appears that all too often, the "Reality" is jettisoned from the mix; in favor of what is considered more interesting, usable and (bottom line salable.CONSIDERING THAT ANY or all of these elements are valid and present in CALL OF THE WILDMAN, it is still our duty to analyze, rate and review.THIS PARTICULAR INSTALLMENT featured two incidents in which the protagonist and his Hillbilly Comical Sidekick ventured forth into various counties of the Commonwealth of Kentucky; answering the calls of the citizenry in dealing with certain wild critters, who have become pests in one way or the other.ON THIS FATEFUL EVENING we saw a partial episode featuring a Bird sanctuary's problem with a voracious feeder of raccoon on rare bird species. We then viewed the entire episode entitled, PIG WALLOW PREDATOR. The latter gave us a great insight into the crux of the series.THIS INSTALLMENT BEGINS with the crusading twosome answering the summons of a horse farm; where the presence of a creepy, crawly & slinking snake is making residence in the barn nigh well impossible to rest in. Furthermore, the mere presence of this type of cold-blooded reptile renders even the most docile horse stallion, gelding or mare into a dangerous & potential man killer.AS IT TURNED out, this horse farm owner, a lovely Southern Belle, got the benefit of a two for one $ale; being that the boys also removed a possum, who had decided to take up residence via squatters' rights.THE SECOND VISITATION. which proved to be most interesting, is the source of the PIGS' WALLOW PREDATOR. It features another female farm head and really manages to get this most lovely daughter of the Blue Grass State involved in the extraction of a couple of most hostile snapping turtles from the hogs swimmin' hole. This lady proves to be the most cooperative of an employer; getting right down in the muddy waters with the 'Turtle Man' and attempting to evict the swine from the pool.AS ONE CAN plainly see that we were quite impressed with this lady; who literally got down and dirty with the boss man; helping to remove the snappers, while wading and crawling through the muddy abyss. She was at once most professional, intelligent and proactive of an agriculturist and still most feminine and attractive in her white tee shirt and bib overalls. She truly convinced is that we should all benefit from a closer study of Animal Husbandry! ANOTHER THEATRICAL DEVICE that is well used and put to work here is the old Movie Serial ploy of the 'Cliff Hanger' ending. In every incident & problem solved, there just happens to be high spot of action with some very intense situations. Well, wouldn't you know it, but they always come just at mid-point and just before the commercial break! IN CONCLUSION, WE must admit that we thoroughly enjoyed this show and we have undergone a fundamental change of opinion about 'Reality Series' in general. We'll certainly look for this show again and will be regularly viewing ANIMAL PLANET as well.
mikelmike77
Ernie is totally cool and a nice guy to boot , he's got a lot of know how and guts too ! I'm born an raised in New York City but I tell you good people are good people and Ernie is that . I like watching how he handles all kinds of critters and really is about helping and living his way of life , chopping wood and bathing in a barrel and living close to nature , my life couldn't be more different but maybe thats the reason why I like watching . Earnie is cool and interesting and provides a valuable service to his neighbors whats better than that ? So continued good fortune to Earnie and his pals saving wildlife and helping good folks , you guys rock !
