Television Review: Perfect Disaster
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that each episode of this fascinating
series features enactments of what could happen should the
weather disaster being examined that week -- mega flood, super
typhoon, etc. -- come to pass. Although the weather patterns
depicted are purely theoretical, they're quite graphic, and
some children (particularly those with overactive imaginations)
might be frightened by the fury of the storms and the
destruction they cause.
Families can talk about the effect people and their habits have
on the environment. What is global warming, and how does it
affect the atmosphere? How can humans alter our living habits
to help protect the Earth and its ecosystems?
In the compelling docudrama series PERFECT DISASTER, scientists narrate dramatic enactments of what could happen if a dangerous, never-before-seen "super storm" crashed into some of the world's largest cities. In each episode, a hypothetical situation is presented and acted out, accompanied by commentary from some of the world's leading scientists. For example, in the super tornado episode, a Dallas city manager is confronted with a massive whirlwind hurtling toward his city at speeds of more than 350 miles per hour. As scientists describe the development of the storm and the destruction it could cause, the official must decide between making sure his family is safe and protecting the lives of millions of city residents. In another, viewers see what could happen should a monster blackout threaten New York City with only hours for officials to prepare.
Perfect Disaster stands out from the TV crowd in that it not only educates viewers on some of science's most misunderstood phenomena, but it also entertains them by showing how these storms could affect their lives. This is high-quality, action-packed television that's both engrossing and instructive.
The downside? Not much, although some episodes veer too far into the sci-fi realm, and viewers used to fluffier "reality" fare might find it falls flat. The only real drawback is that these hypothetical storms (and the havoc they wreak) might scare some kids -- especially in a world in which real tsunamis and hurricanes have killed thousands. Parents might want to preview an episode or two before letting younger viewers watch.
TwisterAn Inconvenient Truth
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