Just starting on the History Channel in the US, Expedition Africa, retracing the footsteps of Stanley's search for Livingstone. I did have high hopes for the show after reading of it's imminent release on Benedict Allen's site.  He is very honest in his hopes and views on the series. However, the previews have left me a little wary.  Think Mark Burnett, lots of shakey camera, dramatic music, arguments and emotions - basically everything that will make it a sure fire hit in the US market.

It is tough to listen to a narrator or indeed the participants tell the audience how they are in a life or death struggle.  Come on!  Aaargh!  No, you are bloody well not!  You are starring in a multi-million dollar reality TV show! Fair enough, it did come from the mouth of the one journalist on the team.

I really do dig Benedict and have a good feeling that he will rise above the usual schtick that is encouraged by producers.  Would I knock back the offer to appear in something like this?  Hell no!  I would be there with bells on.  It's a means to an end. But, I do hope that Joe Public is savvy enough to treat the show for what it is - a thoroughly entertaining, high value, awesome adventure!  Not, a life or death struggle!

Check out all the details here.  Worth a watch to see Benedict Allen, a real hard bloke, in action.