Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West

I really wanted to like this but not sure I'll make it to E4. They started too late in the season for planting, the couples were poorly matched and, mascara?

I can't add a lot to what the other commenter wrote, except I was enthralled at what it took for modern civilized people to remove 100 years of technology and live in the 1870s, as much as was possible to achieve in 2001. I missed the first episode that set up the series, showing the interview process and how the final 4 were picked. I wish the series was available on DVD, because I'd probably buy it, or failing that, it would be nice to see it broadcast again, but it doesn't appear to be much in demand. I thought it was excellently produced, and gave a pretty good picture of what it must have been like being a pioneer.

I watch the entire 9 episodes and the disappointing part of the entire series is that the Treadways were not the the first choice, as it was evident after and during the show, they had only the thoughts of how they could make money from the experience. The original couples were matched for how well they thought alike and could work together. The Treadways,throughout the series always seem to be trying to prove themselves, and in many ways brought far to much of their 20 century baggage with them. Alana and Frank Logie from the beginning truly wanted to experience and absorb the adventures and hardships of the pioneers, There was and it was felt in the show the dislike and almost hatred of the Treadways by Alana, and at times even Frank. Alana and Frank faded away, in some ways I am sure that they felt the time wasted and spoiled by the Treadways, it is unfortunate that the original couple chosen had the issue that prevented them from taking part in the show, I am sure it would of been a deeper experience for those that did watch, as it would of for those participating.

I really enjoyed this show. I think there were some great efforts to keep it real. I would have given it a 10 rating but I felt that the show didn't really go deep enough into how the food was provided. Having lived on a mountain alone and having to haul my own water etc. I know that hunting and storing meat is a huge part of the experience. A couple of small deer don't get these folks through the Winter. The fact that they didn't butcher the pig and smoke the meat was something that I didn't understand. I guess that first time settlers could have made that mistake though. All in all this was a great show that I enjoyed very much. I have recommended it to others. I watched it on Hulu.

No one abused any animals on purpose, as claimed by another reviewer, they just did not have the proper training before launching their settler experience. You could tell they were all very upset when the pig had to be put down. They also could not understand that the horses were starving because they were not getting adequate nutrition. They had put up an abundance of hay and were feeding them well, but the hay lacked sustainable nutrients. The men should have trained in how to plow, plant and harvest before their experience began. Hunting techniques and animal husbandry would have helped too. The women should have learned more about preparing and preserving food. All of them would have benefited by some fire tending experience. Luckily for all, Tim had an abundance of experience in building their cabins and creating furniture, so that part went well for them. I think if they didn't have to learn basic survival skills on the job, things would have went better. I mean, the real settlers would have had all the skills that they lacked. It was still an enjoyable series and I thank all involved.