In the “Must Watch This Weekend” category…
I went to a screening last night of the new PBS documentary, Carrier. And all I can say is…wow. I am not known for my history skills, nor could I tell you whnt we are fighting for in Iraq. But I can tell you that this piece of filmmaking is one of the most intriguing to hit the airways (and the FREE airways at that) in a long time. Centered around the deployment of the Carrier USS Nimitz, a film crew follows the highs and lows of being a defender of freedom. At the screening, an Admiral that served on the Nimitz was there, along with the producer Jeff Dupre, who’s last feature was On Broadway…They shared stories and answered questions like, “was anything staged?”, or “was there a security breach at any time?” (which, by the way, the answers were no). When the audience was asked if there were any military there, and a third of the audience stood, I suddenly felt the urge to salute, or at least clap, for these…the men and women who have fought for the very freedom I enjoy. And this isn’t a recruitment video…filmmakers were given the opportunity to interview many opinions on the war, on life aboard a ship, and the return to life back home…and let me tell you, it’s not always positive. It’s gut-wrenching, it’s intriguing…it’s one hell of a ride.
If you are in Chicago this weekend, you have no excuse not to tune into WTTW11 at 8pm. You will not be sorry, in fact, I am sure the water cooler gossip will include a discussion of Carrier. If nothing else, watch it for the drama. Stay for the sense of patriotism you will undoubted get when you see a pass by of Pearl Harbor set to Five For Fighting’s World. You will cry. You will cringe. You will laugh. But most importantly, you will be moved.
For more information, visit www.wttw.com/carrier (for those in Chicago) or www.pbs.org/carrier.
From a former carrier Navy sailor (1985-1995)…this show is embarassing. I like certain portions of it…there are other parts that are hard to watch. The analogy that I draw from the production is that if I were to create a documentary about the school system in a particular town…I would only interview the kids in 1st and 2nd grade…which is what you practically get from the first 4 episodes of Carrier. The quality of life onboard a carrier as presented by the most junior crewmembers…of which most is shot in the head, the messdecks and the coop…where they spend most of their time…whether it be TAD, messcranking or geedunking. sigh…I think they missed the mark on this one. Maybe Mel was still drunk during production?? The sad thing is…most people don’t have a clue…you had to be there to know…my .40 cent worth…
You must remember, Running Rooster, that this documentary is formatted to find the most “interesting” “intriguing” “entertaining” stories possible. Yes, these terms are all subjective, and yes, some of the stories that were presented (esp. about the “racist” redneck who hates the Navy) do not sit well with most people.
But I guess the bottom line is, no matter how much you don’t agree with it, or laugh at the stupidity of it, it is still:
A) better than most reality TV on today
B) presents military life that us civilians would never see (or try to understand) and
C) that you are still watching.
PBS is struggling to make ratings, up against dancing with the stars and desparate housewives…I think Carrier trumphs those scripted shows…and yes, it is a floating high school, but what in life isn’t anymore?
I appreciate the comment. Keep them comin’!
Fortunately, I was on carriers (3) before the women showed up. What I see on Carrier is absolutely foreign to this salty dog…I am glad that I got out when I did (1985-1995) before my carrier was transitioned to the new Navy. No thanks.
I have to admit that I DO love me some American Idol. Maybe Carrier will get better. The portions highlighting VF-41′s CO and XO are great. I wouldn’t mind working for those guys!
P.S. I was an Ordie…and a member of the Ordie Mafia
IYAOYAS