Television Review: Is It Real?
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this documentary series takes on
longtime legends, tackling some topics -- like ghosts and UFOs
-- that might be frightening for the littlest viewers.
Youngsters may also be upset by depictions of legendary
creatures or alien sketches, as well as the uncertainty of
their possible existence. But kids who like this kind of thing
will probably be fascinated as scientific experts discuss how
they use various disciplines to analyze physical evidence and
self-proclaimed witnesses offer first-hand accounts of
paranormal experiences. A final caveat: Before tuning in, even
gung-ho kids might need some explanation of what makes (and
fuels) legends, as well as some background on each episode's
topic.
Families can talk about legends and folklore. How do stories go
from being harmless entertainment to becoming larger than life?
Why would people take actions (like faking evidence) to keep
stories like these alive? What evidence about each mystery do
you find most credible? Least credible? Families can also
discuss which of the legends they personally believe in, if
any. What are some other legends you've heard?
Scientific experts, eyewitnesses, and believers on both sides of the fence discuss evidence in age-old mysteries that continue to garner speculation today in IS IT REAL? The show takes on cultural and scientific legends like crop circles, vampires, ghosts, Bigfoot, and the lost city of Atlantis. Forensic experts, statisticians, and even psychic investigators offer scientific evidence to both support and discredit the legends, while eyewitnesses weigh in with their own fascinating stories.
While the series never arrives at cut-and-dried answers to these legendary quandaries, the process by which the scientists arrive at their individual conclusions offers an intriguing look at practical science. For example, in an episode dedicated to Bigfoot, a fingerprint expert discovered that one mysterious footprint contained friction ridges much like the lines that make up humans' fingerprints, leading him to believe that a hoax with such fine detail was unlikely. However, a primate expert disagreed, showing that through a simple process of making a print of his own foot in silicone and soaking it in paint thinner, he could stretch it to a much larger size while maintaining its general appearance.
The show's combination of enticing mystery, persuasive evidence (both for and against the stories' truth), and first-hand accounts makes for well-balanced, captivating entertainment. But inquiring minds beware -- you won't find any clear-cut answers to these age-old questions here. In the end, you're left with your own opinions and the pieces of evidence that resonate with you. Both intriguing and a great example of science in action, Is It Real? is an excellent choice for family TV viewing -- provided that your kids are old enough to separate reality from conjecture. Even then, you may find yourself explaining what's science and what's supposition.
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