Crypto-television: A Series of Serious Series Reviews

Lately, I have been in a type of television conundrum: I love cryptozoology, but cannot seem to find any worthwhile cryptozoological shows on television to watch. So, I decided to go on a hunt through the recesses of modern crypto-television.

Monsters and Mysteries in America/Unsolved

I began my search with watching several episodes of the popular Monsters and Mysteries in America and Monsters and Mysteries Unsolved. The first aired in 2013 and ran for three seasons, and the second aired last year. Each episode looks at a handful of mysteries, most focusing on various cryptids. Their portrayal of the phenomena is pretty accurate and they generally get several researchers on to discuss cases and ideas, but the show tends to focus on the sensational aspects without any skeptical points of view. The show also recreates various cases with a person in a rubber suit and some B-grade actors -- the effect of which is quite amusing.

Mountain Monsters

This infamous show was also on the top of my list to peruse, largely due to the huge cult following this show seems to have acquired. After watching two episodes, I realized either the show producers or the team themselves don't care about accurate research. It seems that the bare minimum was done before heading out on a hunt. I think that the AIMS team uses the premise of monster hunting to get on television playing with their firearms. I have no problem with the show, in fact, I think that it is great mindless entertainment, but that is all that it is.

Swamp Monsters

Swamp Monsters is essentially the same show as Mountain Monsters but in the Bayou instead of the Appalachia. The team members of BEAST (Bayou Enforcement Agency on Supernatural Threats). The show only had three episodes and there isn't much worth discussing from any of them.

Finding Bigfoot

Finding Bigfoot is another show that has gained a large cult following. During the first couple seasons, the show did some pretty good research and investigative work. Over time, though, the show began to outgrow its stay and seems to be riding purely on the unending dedication of its fans. The show certainly isn't as bad as many people claims.

Monsters Underground

Monsters Underground has a simple premise: there are mysterious creatures that supposedly live in caves around the world, and this team is going after them all! The only thing is... there aren't that many that supposedly live in caves. Needless to say, the show didn't last long -- and the short time it did air was not spent terribly productively.

MonsterQuest

Monster Quest was technically the first cryptozoology focused show to be produced. It lasted for 5 seasons and each episode focused on a different cryptid or a specific regional aspect of a creature with a larger range. I personally love this show. Each episode did an excellent job of introducing the creature and several cases as well as consulting several authorities on the creature each episode. Something else that made the show unique is that they consulted the skeptical side of thinking as well, not just those who wholeheartedly believe in the creatures.

Killing Bigfoot

Over the past few months, the show Killing Bigfoot has been making waves in the world of cryptozoology, to the point that some disgruntled bloggers and researchers put together a petition prevent the airing of the show. The reason the show created so much controversy is the argument: whether or not Bigfoot should be killed in order to prove its existence. The show seems to have really relied on that controversy in order to raise viewership. Unfortunately, the show follows the same formula as Mountain Monsters and Swamp Monsters among others: a bunch of bearded rednecks with large guns traipsing the wilderness searching for monsters. Killing Bigfoot is nothing really new or special but is fairly entertaining to watch.

So, what is your favorite crypto-show? Let me know in the comments!

Alabama Bigfoot Hunters

A family in Alabama are unhappy with a frequent visitor, Bigfoot.

The family, who reportedly have has encounters with the hairy creature since last year, are now claiming, "We know where it lives and how it travels, all we want is for someone to capture and remove it, or we will find it and kill it."

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has done field work in the area and the local representative does agree that there is a Bigfoot in the area.

You can read the rest of the story here. 

This brings up the question; should we kill Bigfoot to prove its existence? 

There are places, including Skamania County, Washington, in which it is illegal to kill a Sasquatch, but in the majority of states, there is no such law in place. Many argue that since the animal, if it exists, would be so human-like the act of killing one could be equated with the murder of another human being. Others point out that the animal might be severely endangered, so killing one might be significantly negative for the recovery of the animals. 

But to look at the other side of the argument; 

In the history of zoology, most large mammals were categorize by the killing of a specimen and then the capture of another. Also, they argue that without a body many will continue to be skeptical of the existence. There are multiple shows where people hunt for Bigfoot in order to kill it, such as Killing Bigfoot and the 10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty. 

What do you think? I see merits on both sides, but I tend to lean to the anti-killing side. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!