Television Review: Secrets of the Dead
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this documentary series features
lots of research surrounding some of history's most famous (and
mysterious) fatalities. Subjects have included an American
dogfight pilot shot down during WWII, unidentified victims of
the Titanic, and those who perished in the Hindenburg disaster.
The show uses archive video footage (when it's available) and
re-enactments, both of which are graphic in their portrayals of
war, disease, and death. This show isn't for young viewers, but
parents who watch with tweens and teens will get some history
lessons along with them.
Families can talk about how science allows us to look
differently at past events. What scientific and research
advances have changed the way we look at history? How do
experts use disciplines like forensics and carbon dating to
analyze age-old mysteries? How will further discoveries affect
the future?
The documentary series SECRETS OF THE DEAD attempts to answer questions that still surround many well-known deaths throughout history. The series takes a close look at topics like the true origin of the Shroud of Turin, the spark that ignited the Salem witch hysteria, and the cause of the great fire of Rome. Scientists and researchers from a wide range of fields take on the seemingly impossible task of gathering stone-cold evidence and using modern technology to put it back under the microscope hundreds to thousands of years later. For example, in an episode about the bubonic plague (or Black Death) that swept through Europe in the 1300s, researchers try to decipher how a lucky few people survived the highly contagious epidemic. Using DNA samples from the survivors' modern-day descendants, doctors look for a possible source of their immunity to the disease.
Secrets of the Dead sheds new light on mysteries that once seemed an unsolvable part of human history. What's more, it manages to combine its extraordinary educational value with enough pace and drama to keep even skeptical viewers attentive. While the stark violence and scenes of disease and death are integral to the documentary, they also mean this one isn't for little kids' list. But the next time you're surfing for some worthwhile family TV to watch with your tweens or teens, tune into this one -- you'll be amazed at what all of you will learn.
Is It Real?Cold Case
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