Discovery Channel: Storm Chasers

After Mythbusters and Dirty Jobs, the rest of the Discovery Channel shows are all just about on equal footing. Storm Chasers is all about...well...storm chasers. Specifically, Sean Casey and Dr Josh Wurman, and this year we have the welcome inclusion of Reed Timmer. Last season was the first year I watched this show, and last year we didn't have Reed.

The premise then, and mostly now, is that Casey, a filmmaker, travels in his giant eight ton TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle), attempting to get a shot from inside a tornado. He is directed by Dr Wurman from his DOW (Doppler on Wheels), a giant semi loaded with a radar and tons of computer equipment. What makes it kind of fun is that Casey is a nutty artsy type who wants to go go go while Dr Wurman is all about the science. He is much more conservative in his actions and takes his time. His goal is collecting data while Casey's is getting "the shot."

This clash of personalities is interesting, but it can be a little grating. The inclusion of Reed Timmer helps to aleviate this because he is laid back and young. He cruises in his SUV with his friends and is able to move quickly and directly. He is also much more of a risk taker, getting as close as possible to the actual tornadoes. He actually sells the footage he makes and has been able to turn his love of chasing into a business. His enthusiasm is infectious and it is fun to watch people enjoy themselves on these kinds of shows.

The nature of a show like Storm Chasers is interesting. There is only a short filming season where there is not a guarantee of excitement. I imagine much of the chasing season is actually quite boring, waiting for weather to go after. The inclusion of multiple teams (we follow at least five groups as part of the two teams) really keeps things interesting. The action is usually intense and the footage of storms is pretty amazing. It is qute fun to see (as long as I only see it on the TV!).

There is only one new episode left, next Sunday, so check it out, and then watch reruns and watch for the show to come back next season.