Post by attie27 on Jan 11, 2009 22:37:00 GMT
Hi M, I wrote this back in 02 with my late father so it was pretty emotional to find this but it brings back fond memories. I hope everyone enjoys it
Review I: 'The New American Sportsman'
Hosted by Rick Schroder - by attie
My Dad sat down with me on September 9 to watch the first episode of "The
New American Sportsman" on ESPN-2. He had been a big fan of the original
"American Sportsman" when it aired on ABC, and I admire the work of Rick
Schroder -- so we were both looking forward to the premiere.
Dad was pleasantly surprised to see former "Sportsman" host Curt Gowdy open
the show -- then my interest kicked into high gear when Rick Schroder (from
my generation) came on to introduce the new series. I liked the fast-paced
opening with Rick, shot among the hustle-and-bustle of NYC, with the new
host emphasizing the need for all of us to get away, slow down, find that
"simpler place -- a million miles away, or just out your back door..."
And then, it was time to go...
The first segment established actor Greg Kinnear looking for the legendary
White Rhino in the South African bush. Next up, golfer Jack Nicklaus
salt-water fished off Key West, Florida. My dad enjoyed the segment with
model Simmone Jade Mackinnon snorkeling among the shark-infested reefs of
Key Largo.
The show returned to Nicklaus who, after hours of patient effort -- got his
fish -- a tarpon. He and his guide marveled at their catch, and then let it
return to the sea. Dad and I both liked this "hunting without the kill"
brand of sportsmanship.
Then there was another look at Mackinnon exploring the depths among sea
turtles, barracuda, and historic shipwrecks. She actually touched a small
shark and then proclaimed, "I don't want to go home!"
When the show returned to Greg Kinnear in South Africa, a White Rhino had
been located -- then darted, medicated, and tagged. Boy, it took two darts
to put that baby down! As the animal came to, Kinnear made sure he wasn't
close by! A sequence among a herd of water buffalo was exciting - this
species has a very short fuse. Kinnear's frequent one-liners helped ease the
tension of what we were all experiencing -- thru him.
Rick Schroder ends the show with an invite to come back next week for more
adventures...we will.
Rick's credentials as a bona fide outdoorsman lend much credibility to the
show. His voice-over never intrudes; rather, his narration gives information
the viewer can relate to. And, it was great to see Rick Schroder back on
television, after a brief absence. During these real world adventures, we
get to know Kinnear, Nicklaus and Mackinnon better, and in a different
light. That was always an appeal of the original show, says my Dad.
The exotic locales were nicely photographed, encouraging the viewer (I'll
bet) to travel to such places and experience such adventures for
themselves...
Review I: 'The New American Sportsman'
Hosted by Rick Schroder - by attie
My Dad sat down with me on September 9 to watch the first episode of "The
New American Sportsman" on ESPN-2. He had been a big fan of the original
"American Sportsman" when it aired on ABC, and I admire the work of Rick
Schroder -- so we were both looking forward to the premiere.
Dad was pleasantly surprised to see former "Sportsman" host Curt Gowdy open
the show -- then my interest kicked into high gear when Rick Schroder (from
my generation) came on to introduce the new series. I liked the fast-paced
opening with Rick, shot among the hustle-and-bustle of NYC, with the new
host emphasizing the need for all of us to get away, slow down, find that
"simpler place -- a million miles away, or just out your back door..."
And then, it was time to go...
The first segment established actor Greg Kinnear looking for the legendary
White Rhino in the South African bush. Next up, golfer Jack Nicklaus
salt-water fished off Key West, Florida. My dad enjoyed the segment with
model Simmone Jade Mackinnon snorkeling among the shark-infested reefs of
Key Largo.
The show returned to Nicklaus who, after hours of patient effort -- got his
fish -- a tarpon. He and his guide marveled at their catch, and then let it
return to the sea. Dad and I both liked this "hunting without the kill"
brand of sportsmanship.
Then there was another look at Mackinnon exploring the depths among sea
turtles, barracuda, and historic shipwrecks. She actually touched a small
shark and then proclaimed, "I don't want to go home!"
When the show returned to Greg Kinnear in South Africa, a White Rhino had
been located -- then darted, medicated, and tagged. Boy, it took two darts
to put that baby down! As the animal came to, Kinnear made sure he wasn't
close by! A sequence among a herd of water buffalo was exciting - this
species has a very short fuse. Kinnear's frequent one-liners helped ease the
tension of what we were all experiencing -- thru him.
Rick Schroder ends the show with an invite to come back next week for more
adventures...we will.
Rick's credentials as a bona fide outdoorsman lend much credibility to the
show. His voice-over never intrudes; rather, his narration gives information
the viewer can relate to. And, it was great to see Rick Schroder back on
television, after a brief absence. During these real world adventures, we
get to know Kinnear, Nicklaus and Mackinnon better, and in a different
light. That was always an appeal of the original show, says my Dad.
The exotic locales were nicely photographed, encouraging the viewer (I'll
bet) to travel to such places and experience such adventures for
themselves...