Die Werkstatt-Helden

Rick Harrison, of the ultra-successful Pawn Stars TV show, would send some work to "Counts Kustoms" across town in Las Vegas. In time, Danny "The Count" Koker, the owner of the place, got his own show. The same thing happened to Rick Dale, who stars in American Restoration. Knowing the Pawn Star guys has its benefits!

In this show, you have a bunch of tough-looking, gruff-sounding bike guys who underneath are pussycats.....at least in Koker's character. Danny and his crew of Kevin, Scott, Roli, Horny Mike, Shannon and others fix up just about any kind of car you give them and transform them into an amazing-looking vehicle, whether it's a muscle car, classic car from the early years, bike or a coffin-on-wheels! You see a lot of variation of restoration projects and that keeps it interesting, along with the crew, who are fun to watch.

What's different is that these nasty-looking dudes, led by their boss, have a special heart for people who have served their country, or have been disabled, or want something as a tribute to a fallen family member. Yeah, it's very sentimental and even sappy at times...but it works. I admit there are times I have a tear in my eye at the end of these shows. I like the feel-good endings. You don't see much of that anymore on TV.

Love the Count and crew except for Horney Mike. Mike is not just not funny, but is mean, angry, argumentative, and annoying. Notice that his smile is not genuine but menacing. Why is this guy on the show? The Count should count him out!

For the most part the show is a success - however there are two characters who add nothing to the overall value - Mike and Scott - both are horrible actors and their parts take away from the cars and interactions of Danny with the customers. I enjoy seeing Danny ride around and find vehicles, talk to the owners and sometimes purchase a flip - the end products of the creations are fantastic to see but the yelling of Scott and the lack of credibility of Mike take away from the entire show. I turn the sound off whenever Scott or Mike come on.

I'm a KUSTOM KAR KULTURE kinda gal. I love the vibe, looks, sounds, craftsmanship of 1950's - 1960's & 1970's classic hot rods, street rods, tail-dragging low riders, and super cars. Motorcycle's are my thing too, as I own three classic's myself. I also like classic 1950's early 60's rock 'n roll, rock-a-billy, some 50's beat, and some country western too. So I think I am more or less well rounded and with that whole scene... In the beginning - I did not care one iota for Scott's obnoxious loud mouth, in your face, disrespectful attitude - so I am glad he's now history. His whole shtick was over the top. I also never cared for Horny Mike! Punk-rocker's with spiked Mohawks that are tinted green, purple, red and wear studs, horns, tattoos, facial and body piercing's, etc, turn me off. Horny Mike isn't cute or sexy - or as cool as he thinks he is. He comes off as a totally arrogant, dirty minded, mean spirited slob, with no respect for his Employer or fellow CK workers, and sasses around thinking he is some Air Brush Artist God, when he is mediocre at best. If he was as great as he brags he is, he would have been discovered as one of the great artistic talents in the USA. He has not! Danny needs to get rid of "Horny Baloney" and hire someone who can do amazing airbrushing, pin-stripping, special effects, custom paint, and also get greasy and fabricate cars too... There are so many young custom car talents longing for their big break to show what they've got - and Danny needs to do a national talent search towards that end... as well as someone less Toady looking and more intelligent acting. I understand Danny's background as the Count, his music and Band, and his Chopper Motorcycle and Groovy Van's penchant... but that that whole counter culture theme is now fast going out of style as is Danny's pony tail, ubiquitous head bandanna, and always in baggy jeans with a Levi vest and chain drive wallet. The show is now getting a little long in the tooth and needs serious updating getting away from the Dracula themes and purple velvet. I mean, The Munster's Show was over in the 1960's! I feel for Rolli. He is like an immigrant duck of out water and without a flock. His hatred of Horny is very evident too. It makes me cringe to watch Horny Mike and Rolli try to make nice - it isn't there and as viewer it feels very uncomfortable to watch. It is evident that NO ONE at CK likes Mike. Not even Danny, so why he is still there is a mystery. The Counting Cars Show is a production and it is scripted, directed and rehearsed. Nothing is spur of the moment or real time "reality". There is just too much at stake with advertisers and network ratings to allow for an embarrassing gaff. Even the car searching in the streets and asking others to pull over, is scripted and set up. Counting Car's cannot be everything all in one. Custom Cars, Choppers, Rock and Roll Bands, Tattoo Parlor, Celebrity Cameo's, and company competition of whose the coolest or rudest dude alive. The show is chasing it's tail now and it feels like it. It's run out of gas. I hope they can rescue it. Or it'll just be one more car show junked!

Counting Cars is of the Reality TV genre, featuring Danny Koker and his crew of 5-6 body painting enthusiasts. In India we are lucky to watch the episodes on History channel every Monday-Friday 6.00 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. Danny has some great, creative people working for him including Ryan, who is mainly the artist, Big, Kevin, Scott Jones, and a 5-6 others. Whether its a well-maintained Ford-T, or a Mustang, a Cadillac, or El Dorado, a Toyota or Nissan, or any other vehicle, Danny and hard working crew can restore almost any vehicle how so ever old, derelict, rusted or useless it might be and make them almost new, of course , for a price. Worth watching.