2008
Britain
BBC Productions
TV Series
Demand DVD
R2 DVD
Reviewer: Bob Estreich
This 3-part series was made by the BBC for
its Open University project. James May, of Top Gear and various other documentary
series, presents a number of technological ideas from the past and investigates
where they have got to in the present. The three main areas are transport (with
an emphasis on personal transport), robotics and energy. In the process he
uncovers some ludicrous ideas and some that have gone on to become practical.
Transport is possibly the most
fascinating. It covers the range from the 1950s Taylor Aerocar, through rocket
belts and personal helicopters, to the giant 250 miles-per-hour Ekranoplan from
Russia. Dubbed the “Caspian Sea Monster”, the Ekranoplan was like a huge
flightless aircraft that lifted (barely) off the ground on a cushion of air
using the Ground Effect. Smaller versions are in production today, which are
better than the Aerocar. It says a lot for James’ bravery that he is prepared
to try some of these technologies himself.
Robotics, as in the human replica robot,
is still a long way from success. James notes that one of the biggest problems
has been to simply teach a robot to walk. Surprisingly the people who managed
to achieve this feat are at the Disneyland laboratories (the most Mickey Mouse
lab he’s ever been in). We look at an eye replacement, making robots look more
human (really spooky), and even robots that can write music.
In the third episode, Power to the People,
James explores alternative energy generation. As well as the now-conventional
solar power and its problems, he looks at kites, generation in space, and
making petrol from air.
Apart from being somewhat educational,
James May’s low-key approach and boyish enthusiasms make him an ideal presenter
for shows that entertain you but teach you something as well.
We do not review much in Synergy that is
suitable for the kids, but they will definitely enjoy this one as much as their
mums and dads.
Highly recommended.
This review will appear in Volume 2 No.4
(2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.
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