First time posting about this show. I'm somewhat late to game...just started watching last fall. I seriously doubt there's any treasure...but I enjoy watching the different personalities and the unearthing (staged or not) of historical artifacts. Pretty interesting stuff and subject matter...and an occasional history lesson, to boot. Overall, it's a nice side distraction from all of the other mess going on in the world today.
That being said, I do have some recurring thoughts and questions that seem to pop up every single episode. Sorry if these have been answered elsewhere...and sorry if any key individuals happen to stumble across this post...just my observation and thoughts.
1. What the heck does Begley do? Granted, like I said, I'm a little late to the game...but I've never seen this guy pick up one shovel, turn over one pile of dirt or help Drayton pick out any discarded beer can tabs. He always seems to find himself in the right position to give a goofy grin whenever the cameras need an "a-ha moment" moneyshot. Other than that, he's the only person out of the entire cast that I have no idea what the heck he does. Enlighten me.
2. With the ridiculous amount of resources being wasted in each episode, why not just blow your whole wad and dig a huge hole where they think the treasure is? Seems like a waste of time spitballing holes all over the place. There is knowledge of where the Money Pit was originally found...so dig there...again...but a much bigger hole.
3. Speaking of bore holes...in the event that the Templars, carnies or aliens planted some sort of awesome treasure down in a hole, maybe they should be a little more careful where they're punching holes. Maybe original biblical manuscripts or other important documents are sealed in the "vault". Using huge metal pipes to punch holes into that area seems pretty foolish that you might end up ruining paper documents or other delicate items with the piping or the resulting water rushing in. Of course I know gold and silver are the true treasures to these guys...but seriously, if they really think something beyond metallic and/or gem valuables are down there, maybe they ought to take it a little easier with the pipe shotgunning.
4. I can't fathom how much that entire band of Oceans 11-esque work crew costs to employ for an entire summer.
5. I find it cool that Alex Lagina gets to treasure hunt with his dad. When I was younger, my dad would take me out for some really small-time metal detecting...and it was fun. Good memories of our time together. I appreciate that aspect of the show, even if they don't capitalize on that storyline at all.
6. The camera sure loves Mariam. Each character on this show gets a fair amount of camera-time during shots. Mariam's seems to last just a bit longer. Not complaining. Just an observation.
7. Gary Drayton drinking game. Take a shot/swig/sip for every single "mate" he drops during an episode. You'll be passed out at :23 minutes in.
All in all, not the most intriguing show ever...but still a fun distraction...even if they never find anything. I share in the spirit that sometimes just the thrill of the chase is as good as finding your destination/final result.
Cheers everyone! Here's hoping that there's a Mint 10 Honus Wagner in a sealed plastic sleeve down there somewhere...and they don't poke a hole in it with one of those boring pipes.
