TV Review: Expedition Impossible

Racing around the deserts in Morocco, riding wild camels and skydiving are just some of the tasks the competitors must complete in ABC’s TV game show, “Expedition Impossible.” Hosted by Dave Salmoni, 13 three-person teams must compete in 10 intense adventures and episodes in Morocco covering 2,000 miles in order to walk away with $150,000 and three new Ford Explorers.

Mark Burnett, creator of “The Amazing Race” and “The Apprentice” produces “Expedition Impossible.” Like the other shows Burnett produced, “Expedition Impossible” is well made with extraordinary views of mountain peaks and raging waters as well as having one-on-one interviews with contestants.

This show appeals to everyone by having all kinds of competitors including cops, firefighters, football players, fishermen and military veterans. The competitors provide comedy by having humorous personalities and are constantly cracking jokes. There is occasionally a little drama within the teams. AJ and Ally, siblings on the team “Fab Three,” often bicker during the competitions. The drama between them is relatable to everyone with a sibling. However their drama is quickly resolved and the main focus is on the adventure, a characteristic few shows share.

The dynamics of the show are simple. Whoever finishes the adventure last will be evacuated on an airplane back to their home. The adventures contain many components including challenges such as skydiving to find a symbol that corresponds with one on the contestants’ map to indicate where they are going. There are around six challenges every episode. This is a very fast paced show and the contestants are usually jogging for many miles in order to finish the challenges.

Going into the first episode one would be shocked to find out that on the team “No Limits” one of the competitors, Eric, is blind. However, his credentials such as climbing Mount Everest and going on other intense adventures without sight might lead one to root for his team. The adventures are intense and the competitors never give up, especially Eric, who kayaks through rapids with sharp rocks. Even though he falls into the rapids many times, he is able to navigate the waters well and his team usually finishes in the top three.

Another team on the show, “Team Kansas,” often struggled with the adventures. In one episode one teammate Lindsey falls off a wild camel and gets trampled on.

Lindsey stated during an aired interview “this expedition is dangerous.”

The adventure show is considered to be “an epic Indiana Jones-style experience,” according to Burnett.

The show is completely thrilling to watch and the daring challenges adds to the suspense. The challenges test the abilities of the competitors to an extreme with new challenges each week. The competitors are amusing and delightful with their sense of charm and wit.