"the colony" on the discovery channel

[Mike70]

this is a new show with a post-apoc theme coming to the discovery channel. 10 "survivors" have to figure out how to work together, get things up and running and survive.

this is the intro blurb from discovery.com:


What would you do in the wake of a global catastrophe? How would you find food? Water? Shelter?

The Colony is a controlled experiment to see exactly what it would take to survive and rebuild under these circumstances. For 10 weeks, a group of 10 volunteers, whose backgrounds and expertise represent a cross-section of modern society, are isolated in an urban environment outside Los Angeles and tasked with creating a livable society.

With no electricity from the grid, no running water and no communication with the outside world, all the volunteers have to work with are their skills and whatever tools and supplies they can scavenge from their surroundings.

Experts from the fields of homeland security, engineering and psychology have helped design the world of The Colony to reflect elements from both real-life disasters and models of what the future could look like after a global viral outbreak.

Over the course of the 10-week experiment, the Colonists must work together to build the necessities of survival, such as a water-filtration system, a battery bank that powered their electricity, a solar cooker, a shower system and a greenhouse – and even some niceties (a coffee maker!).

and a synopsis of some of the eps:


Arrival and Survival- July 21, 2009 Ten volunteers enter an experimental post-catastrophe world to see if they can survive and rebuild after a global disaster. Cordoned off in a downtown Los Angeles warehouse, they must secure shelter, filter water, and defend their new home from thieves.

Power Struggle - July 28, 2009 With their power supply dwindling, the volunteers attempt to build a generator that runs on smoke from wood scraps. When they scavenge the nearby streets for supplies, they must face off with a motorcycle-riding thug.

Comfort in Chaos - August 4, 2009 After securing the basic necessities for survival, the volunteers focus on the one creature comfort they can't live without: a hot shower. But focusing on comfort leaves them open to a massive attack that threatens their long-term survival.

Safety and Security - August 11, 2009 After an attack shatters the volunteers' sense of security, they must focus on building weapons and fortifying the warehouse. But before they can finish, a truckload of gun-toting traders arrives to test the volunteers' unity.

A Stranger Among Us - August 18, 2009 The volunteers have the opportunity to up their electricity and power capabilities when they scavenge a stock of abandoned solar panels. But the experiment takes a violent turn when a stranger breeches their security and tries to steal their supplies.

Loss and Communication - August 25, 2009 The volunteers are rocked by the disappearance of a treasured member during a search party mission. The loss spurs them to build a collection of communication devices in hopes that their missing member is somewhere out there…listening.

some promo vids:
http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/colony-whats-hot/

the occupations of the 10 "survivors":

a doctor
a nurse
a marine biologist
an independent contractor
a computer engineer
a machinist
a martial arts instructor
a solar technologist
an aerospace engineer
a mechanical engineer

a rather selective mix that most likely wouldn't reflect 10 people in the real world who have been thrown together. looks like a mix and match to ensure success.

[bassman]

I saw an ad for this today and said to myself, "I need to tell the guys at HPotD about this!":p

It does look interesting fopr what it is, though. The only downfall is that it's "reality" tv.:bored:

[MoonSylver]

Sounds pretty interesting except for THIS:



the occupations of the 10 "survivors":

a doctor
a nurse
a marine biologist
an independent contractor
a computer engineer
a machinist
a martial arts instructor
a solar technologist
an aerospace engineer
a mechanical engineer

a rather selective mix that most likely wouldn't reflect 10 people in the real world who have been thrown together. looks like a mix and match to ensure success.

Although I'm sure it wouldn't make for great TV, that's not quite as "average" a sampling as one would expect. That's damn close to dream team (add a cop, soldier etc.)

Still, I'm interested. Reminds me bit of a show called The Alaska Experiment where they took a bunch of folks from the city w/ no wilderness/survival skills & they had to survive in Alaska (albeit w/ some coaching along the way). Not bad.

[Slain]

The whole premise for this show is whacked. Unless a disaster has leveled everything, it would be way easier to scavenge food or supplies from abandoned places than it would be to try making shit yourself. A better alternative to homesteading an arid city like Los Angels would be to loot whatever you can and head for the countryside up north.

[MikePizzoff]

:lol: Of COURSE the producers are having them face-off with a post-apocalyptic motorcycle-riding thug!!!

[Skippy911sc]

:lol: Of COURSE the producers are having them face-off with a post-apocalyptic motorcycle-riding thug!!!

I think more than one would be appropriate... :)

Sounds good, but the make-up of the team does sound a bit contrived...

I will Tivo this one... I LOVE TIVO!!!

[AcesandEights]

a rather selective mix that most likely wouldn't reflect 10 people in the real world who have been thrown together. looks like a mix and match to ensure success.

Exactly. Where's the used car salesman who tries to set himself up as the leader of the group or the marketing executive who decides he'll be the group's "Ambassador to the Wastes"?

Still, I like the idea of it, so I'll most likely give it at least a cursory look and see if it's worth some real time investment.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Neil]

the occupations of the 10 "survivors":

a doctor
a nurse
a marine biologist
an independent contractor
a computer engineer
a machinist
a martial arts instructor
a solar technologist
an aerospace engineer
a mechanical engineer

a rather selective mix that most likely wouldn't reflect 10 people in the real world who have been thrown together. looks like a mix and match to ensure success.
Indeed... There'd be at least 7 desk jokeys!

[Mike70]

Indeed... There'd be at least 7 desk jokeys!

totally. hell, having 3 engineers (esp. the mechanical one, that dude would literally be worth his weight in god), a contractor, a machinist, and a guy who is not only an expert on solar power but also alternate energy sources in general, in any small group would be akin to winning the lottery. throw in the doctor and it's like the proverbial irish sweepstakes.

[strayrider]

a doctor
a nurse
a marine biologist
an independent contractor
a computer engineer
a machinist
a martial arts instructor
a solar technologist
an aerospace engineer
a mechanical engineer


Just using my neighborhood as an example:

barmaid
post office clerk
accountant
mechanic
truck driver
bus driver (retired)
machinist and gun nut (myself)
army ranger and cable hook-up guy
pet store manager
general contractor

However, with Wright-Patterson AFB being our largest employer, and with Dayton (still) having a fairly large manufacturing base, I'd bet that there are a fair number of engineers within a five mile radius.

:D

-stray-

I saw the advert for this series. I'll probably check out the first installment just to see how it's going to go.

[Neil]

Just using my neighborhood as an example:

barmaid
post office clerk
accountant
mechanic
truck driver
bus driver (retired)
machinist and gun nut (myself)
army ranger and cable hook-up guy
pet store manager
general contractor

Pet store manager - LMFAO! :lol:

At least you can sleep well at night, content in the knowledge that in a post apocalytic world, you'd have the healthiest guinea pigs!

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpg

[Skippy911sc]

Pet store manager - LMFAO! :lol:

At least you can sleep well at night, content in the knowledge that in a post apocalytic world, you'd have the healthiest guinea pigs!

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpghttp://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:j_ojN5cOoneYtM:http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/nickel_sara/guinea-pig.jpg

I actually think the pet store manager would come in very handy...think about it...Logistics, food storage knowledge (albeit animal), people skills(have you ever been around animal lovers???) and overal management skills, very useful in the post-apocalyptic world.

[Neil]

I actually think the pet store manager would come in very handy...think about it...Logistics, food storage knowledge (albeit animal), people skills(have you ever been around animal lovers???) and overal management skills, very useful in the post-apocalyptic world.

And also answers to the those all important questions about tropical fish!

[Skippy911sc]

And also answers to the those all important questions about tropical fish!

Have you been to a pet store and ask a couple questions???

Its like going to Home Depot and expecting to talk to a builder/contractor...just doesn't happen.

I think one of the more beneficial people to add would be an avid hunter or outdoors man...

Although questions regarding Neon Tetras would be in abundance in a post apocalyptic world.
:lol:

[strayrider]

Pet store manager - LMFAO! :lol:

At least you can sleep well at night, content in the knowledge that in a post apocalytic world, you'd have the healthiest guinea pigs!

Hey, when it comes to "unorthodox" food sources, who better to keep and maintain a herd of healthy guinea pigs?

Remember the scene in "Demolition Man" where Stallone was served a "rat burger"?

:D

-stray-

[ZombieGrrL]

This looks really interesting!

There was an Aussie reality TV show a few years ago (also called The Colony) where a group of families were transported to a secuded location & lived as if they were in Australia in the 1800's. They were given basic things, but had to find build their own houses. It lead to an interesting interaction between the people, and their reactions to not having any modern conveniences.

This documentary seems similar however the different set of circumstances (being able to live in todays society - albeit starting again) will make it more interesting in an apocalypse type of way.

Looking forward to it!

[Danny]

f that, i want to take this a step further.

1:set up a ghost town in the sleepy midwest.

2:hire the evil mastermind darren whatshisface, the hypnotist bloke.

3:he does what he did to that one guy that one time, you know the one.

4: place the group there, only there sure a real zombie apocalypse has happened.

5:???

6:PROFIT!

[SRP76]

The volunteers have the opportunity to up their electricity and power capabilities when they scavenge a stock of abandoned solar panels. But the experiment takes a violent turn when a stranger breeches their security and tries to steal their supplies.


Um, what?

There just happen to be a bunch of intact solar panels lying around in post-apocalyptic L.A.?!

These people are being selectively provided with items, guaranteed.

[Danny]

Um, what?

There just happen to be a bunch of intact solar panels lying around in post-apocalyptic L.A.?!

These people are being selectively provided with items, guaranteed.

do-do you think it could be a fake reality show meant for blind entertainment?

[SRP76]

do-do you think it could be a fake reality show meant for blind entertainment?

I think it could be an unentertaining load of bullshit. There are ways of making a show like this somewhat believable, contrary to what the producers might think.

[Danny]

true. But in reality they'd probably all want to be in charge and throw a big hissy fit and try to "go it alone" and get into a scrape they could only get out of with a friend, or someone else's know-how. its human nature. Were not exactly pack animals, contrary to trends in high schools.

[Slain]

I think this series is just propaganda to scare people in getting the vaccine they're making for the H1N1 virus. Realistically people who live at or flee to very remote areas are the ones most likely to survive a pandemic holocaust. To be halfway believable the location for the Colony should have been set in an abandon facility in the wilderness or an uninhabited island.

[DrSiN]

I caught the first episode tonight. It was pretty laughable. The show tries way too hard to take itself too seriously. C-

[strayrider]

I caught the first episode tonight. It was pretty laughable. The show tries way too hard to take itself too seriously. C-

I dunno, I kinda liked the show. The idea is interesting enough.

The only thing I'd like to see added is the use of paintball guns. Maybe just one, or two, with a limited amount of ammo. No American "survival" show would be complete without some kind of gun play.

Favorite character so far is the old guy (Dave?) who was dancing around naked in the rain ... LOL! (heck, who wouldn't dance around naked with all of those "hot" chicks running around?)

Least favorite: Mike, of course. What a sphincter.

:D

-stray-

[Skippy911sc]

I dunno, I kinda liked the show. The idea is interesting enough.

The only thing I'd like to see added is the use of paintball guns. Maybe just one, or two, with a limited amount of ammo. No American "survival" show would be complete without some kind of gun play.

Favorite character so far is the old guy (Dave?) who was dancing around naked in the rain ... LOL! (heck, who wouldn't dance around naked with all of those "hot" chicks running around?)

Least favorite: Mike, of course. What a sphincter.

:D

-stray-

It was OK...I agree about Mike and I was thinning the same thing with regard to the paintball guns...Also I see a lot of potential for people getting hurt (from one another) I think the Psychologist said that people in these simulated realities sometimes have a tendency to make it real in their own mind...wow that would be cool...Mike starts with the camera crew, and by the time the smoke clears there is blood everywhere!!!! Hehehe :lol:

[Wyldwraith]

Whoever said this reminds them of The Alaska Experiment,
I agree completely. This show has an interesting premise on paper, but I'm 99.9% positive that in practice its going to boil down to cheesy thematic-goal oriented episodes ala Survivor without the interpersonal scheming of the competition (probably the only worthwhile part of Survivor).

Look at the episode guide. They get confronted by a motorcycle riding thug? How stereotypical, and unlikely that a single guy would try to shake down a group. Since they obviously can't utilize serious violence, that entire scenario will shatter the suspension of disbelief.

I normally try to keep an open mind until I see the first episode of a new show, but in this case too many of my television prejudices are involved. 1) It's Reality TV. 2) Yet another so-called survival scenario, that will undoubtedly include scripted conflicts between participants to amp up the drama, that will fall very flat. 3) It's making a travesty of the concept of a post-apocalyptic environment. 10 people with extremely diversified/highly educated skillsets that begin the scenario in perfect health with almost all the basics for survival or the means to acquire them close at hand? What kinda apocalypse is that? The current economic down-spiral is more apocalyptic than that. 4) I'm sick to the point of shooting some producers for smothering cable television in derivative crime-investigation and lame Reality TV. It's really sad that the besides House, the only other worthwhile shows not in re-runs are the book-adaptation-based Legend of the Seeker (Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series) and Trueblood on HBO (name of the series escapes me atm, but Sookie Stackhouse is the protagonist) that are by definition derivative.

Just my opinion, YMMV

[Trencher]

Okay I am going to defend this premise here. First off this is meant as education, the reason these people are thrown togheter is to show the worth of their skills and knowledge. Furthermore the reason they find solar panels is that this is supposed to be in the future and there is going to be more solar panels then also they have to simulate being able to search the entire LA off course they are going to find some solar panels there. As for the thughs they are window dressing, they are not going to stage actual combat for the show and that one lone thugh is representative for that group of sixty bandits that would in actuallty come for them. The bandits would only attack if they thought they had all the odds in their favor so obviously one lone bandit would not attack a group of ten single handely. I am fine with the producers of the show analyzing the colonys effort to make themselves secure and then just tell the viewers and participants what is happining. I am happy to see something on TV that gives practical skills and knowlegde its due instead of another program about some metrosexuals talking about chairs or whatever. Violence has it place in the simulation but I dont need to see it acted out in the program. I cant wait until this show comes out in Europe. I am going to show it to all my friends.

[Wyldwraith]

Wow,
All I can say is that some of you have far lower watchability standards than I do. I expect umm, well, entertainment when I plunk myself down in front of the TV. If I wanted to watch yet another group of wanna-be-famous reality TV participants gripe, whine and do strange things for attention I'd just go hang out with my family. Would get all of that without the annoyance that someone actually successfully pitched this garbage to producers and got some ham-handed moron scriptwriters to ensure they packed maximum suck-factor into each episode.

Even compared to the Alaska Experiment this show is junk.

[Danny]

Wow,
All I can say is that some of you have far lower watchability standards than I do. I expect umm, well, entertainment when I plunk myself down in front of the TV. If I wanted to watch yet another group of wanna-be-famous reality TV participants gripe, whine and do strange things for attention I'd just go hang out with my family. Would get all of that without the annoyance that someone actually successfully pitched this garbage to producers and got some ham-handed moron scriptwriters to ensure they packed maximum suck-factor into each episode.

Even compared to the Alaska Experiment this show is junk.

look on the bright side, its not big brother and theres always an episode of mythbusters on another channel, and whats better than walrus lookin' blokes blowing shit up, but through science?:lol:

[Slain]

A read a post on another site by some survivalist guru who's all irate the Colony portrays people surviving in an apocalyptic situation by scavenging or looting supplies from abandoned place. Like no shit, people wouldn't go around looting and scavenging through abandoned places for supplies after civilization goes down the tubes. While I suppose a person who went into a crisis with a stockpile of guns, ammo, and food would fair better than some dude with just a gun and a crowbar there's no guarantee the guy with the stockpile of shit would come out on top in the end.

[ZombieGrrL]

Saw this yesterday, an interesting show. A bit more paced than other shows of this kind (like Survivor) which is good.

Mike seems to be a bit of a hot head! I agree that they should have more "normal" people on the show but I suppose they want things to progress quickly by placing highly educated & mechanically experienced "surviviors" together. They would be a good bunch of people to survive with!

[ZombieGrrL]

Watched episode 4 today, like most reality tv shows, it's more of a psychological experiment. The Colonists seem like they could get violent, against the marauders, or each other as they're really getting into the "post apocalyptic" storyline.

Interesting!

[Danny]

I forgot about this and heard it was ending its 2nd season soon, figured i'd give it a watch and honestly its not bad. its got the same american need for "DRAMUH" like in ghosthunters or something but its was an entertaining pilot to watch with the handyman going a little crazy from what sounded like withdrawl from his vices and the way they all went a bit funny when the one guy said he was in prison for 6 years.

Gonna keep watching this, not good survival as it were, but the psychological aspect is interesting.

[AcesandEights]

I keep forgetting this show exists, catching a commercial for it and promising myself I'll set my DVR for it or somehow catch up on back episodes only to forget. Glad to hear it may be worth it when I eventually do get to thoroughly check it out.

[EDukes]

There are some good lessons from the show. Like strictly using the wingman concept, or making sure that necessities are hidden within the compound, instead of being openly displayed on the selves. The second season seems to have a lot more "average Joe" types, and those folks are getting their butts kicked.

[Wyldwraith]

One thing that REALLY bugs me bout this show,
I live in a relatively small city, Ocala. About 100,000 counting all surrounding areas/suburbs to the city proper. Probably twice that for all of Marion County. Just in Marion County we have SEVEN large/major libraries, and FOURTEEN "neighborhood libraries" that I know of first-hand, plus a look at the internet informed me there's 25+ more of these smaller libraries (which seem to have just as many books/same types of books as any major library, just lacking the conference and reading rooms + extensive computer areas that take up so much space in the major libraries).

This being the case, anyone who can grab a phonebook off a payphone and page to L for Library can find any number of libraries, full of all sorts of awesome and incredibly useful information in a survival situation. Beyond that, MANY younger people I know keep a gig or so of Survival-Related e-books, .txt files and what not on their comps/laptops. Yes, the juice will run out reasonably fast once the power goes out, UNLESS you find a building with solar panel hookups (which are now MANY business/office/banking buildings) on the roofs. In such a building you could literally plug your shit into the wall socket, since the solar panels are specifically wired in to defray the amount of power being drawn from the grid to keep the bills down.

Living in FL I have a major advantage, in that the majority of the larger buildings have solar paneling extensive enough to actually run the meter backwards, meaning they're generating more juice than the building uses on most days. Yes, the ISPs and Internet in general would go down shortly after a global disaster, but NOT INSTANTLY. A smart person would have oodles of time to go on any of the Pirate Torrent sites and download the very best of Survival Info-related books either onto a laptop, or onto a desktop, and thence onto a laptop after some judicious Best Buy/Circuit City looting.

The fact is, even unprepared people would have survival info at their fingertips if they just thought about it. So the idea of people needing to get along on only their day-to-day/profession knowledge really bugs me, ya know?

[Mr. Clean]

Season 1 is on Netflix Instant Queue. It's only 10 episodes about 45 mins a piece. It was ooookkk...Held my attention but holy hell did they waste a load of time. I was getting pissed with all the time they wasted trying to make complex crap.

[Thorn]

I forgot about this and heard it was ending its 2nd season soon, figured i'd give it a watch and honestly its not bad. its got the same american need for "DRAMUH" like in ghosthunters or something but its was an entertaining pilot to watch with the handyman going a little crazy from what sounded like withdrawl from his vices and the way they all went a bit funny when the one guy said he was in prison for 6 years.

Gonna keep watching this, not good survival as it were, but the psychological aspect is interesting.

Every show has a need for drama, drama drives plot-lines regardless of country of origin. Sadly reality TV creates moments of drama because the producers of these shows are acutely aware of this.

Last I checked there was reality TV in just about every country with TV.

[Danny]

Every show has a need for drama, drama drives plot-lines regardless of country of origin. Sadly reality TV creates moments of drama because the producers of these shows are acutely aware of this.

Last I checked there was reality TV in just about every country with TV.

theres drama and 'dramuh'. one is dramatic plot developments to generate a more wavering narrative tone. the other is using black and white, slow downs and tinkling piano music to try and influence the viewer into thinking some is sad to make it interesting. american tv fucking LOVES this. not just reality tv, look at sci fi stuff compared to other countries stuff. slow motion, piano music and so much hugging. its bloody patronising at best, manipulative at its worst.