Monday, October 15, 2007

Man vs. Wild Comes Clean

I loved the Bear Grylls show 'Man vs. Wild,' until I learned that Grylls was receiving help without acknowledging it. When that fact became known a few months ago, Discover Channel announced that they would review the show to ensure that viewers are not misled. Although I missed it, they apparently came to a resolution a few weeks ago:

Discovery Channel has finally begun airing re-edited versions of "Man vs. Wild," that acknowledge parts of the unscripted series were faked.

A disclaimer was added last week to at least four episodes from the first season along with other clarifications that came in the form of new voiceovers from "Wild" star Bear Grylls.

"Bear Grylls is trained in extreme survival techniques. He and the crew receive support when they are in potentially life-threatening situations, as required by health and safety regulations," the disclaimer reads. "Professional advice should be always be sought before entering any dangerous environment."

In some cases, footage has been cut from the show, including scenes from an episode showing Grylls going to sleep in a forest when he actually slept indoors that night.

Other episodes will feature Grylls admitting he was helped by producers in some situations, including finding food and building rafts and bridges that he originally appeared to have crafted on his own.

Well, honesty is the best policy.

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