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BBC Planet Dinosaur



hi
I'm a bit suprised not to have heard more about the BBCs Planet Dinosaur on the list. There have been a lot of complaints about the way that paleontology is covered in the media - particularly TV documnentaries - and it seems to me that this series adresses those complaints very well. They seem pretty careful to make sure the narration is clear about what's supported and what isn't, and every event seems to be backed up by a fossil example.

What's more, they're doing it through on screen info graphics in a way that doesn't make the show difficult for the layman, or fill it with talking heads.

There are a few problems with it, I think - the pristine dinosaur skins give it a slightly artificial look, and the show sometimes comes across as a list of facts rather than a story, but I for one think it's a breath of fresh air to see a series that doesn't run away from telling you stuff you don't know, and doesn't keep repeating its central points over and over again.

if you haven't seen it, here's a youtube link to half an episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa0U7cvS6Ag

I'd be interested to hear what people here who have suggested scientists should avoid the media make of the show...

Christian Darkin
www.anachronistic.co.uk