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The Mismatched 'MythBusters'
biohack writes "Most fans of the MythBusters would agree that the two hosts of the show, Adam and Jamie, are 'diametrically opposed in every aspect of their lives'. The Christian Science Monitor story about the MythBusters explores the connection between the backgrounds of the hosts (who knew that Jamie had a degree in Russian literature?) and their creative differences on and off camera." From the article: "It took Hyneman a of couple years to feel comfortable talking in front of a camera, let alone to strangers on the street. 'You have to remember that I'm a guy who is happiest in a dark room just thinking,' he says. 'I'm not a sociable person. I don't like to talk.' Savage, on the other hand, is outgoing. They're clearly the Oscar and Felix of myth busting ... 'Jamie is all about total, complete, and utter control. Thinking first and then acting. Adam is about acting first and then thinking.'"
The Discovery Channel used to show quality programming for people who weren't morons. They'd show documentaries that were relevant and informative. Their regular programming was of a top-notch quality, often hosted by experts in various fields. In short, even scientists and academics were often able to learn something from watching the Discovery Channel.
But then they tried to cater to people who came out of a Kansas-style education system. These are people with very little background in science, technology, and mathematics. They're the kind of people who don't understand a single thing about the theory of evolution, but will fight tooth and nail against it because their local fundamentalist religious leaders tell them to do so.
Like it or not, MythBusters is the sort of show they brought in. It tries to pass of a pseudo-science that tends of be educationally lousy, but somewhat entertaining. It wasn't too bad, initially. At least the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, for instance, was an expert in his field. But then they moved towards the MythBusters, neither of who have any significant experience in any scientific or engineering fields. What we find now is that their programming is of such a low quality that the only people who learn anything from it are those who are completely ignorant of science.