Speedo

As I understand it - Speedo was supposed to be something of a "love" story. OK. It's a love story. But, if this was so - It has certainly got to be one of the screwiest love stories ever documented on film.

Not only was Ed "Speedo" Jager an utterly creepy and unlikable character on all counts - But I honestly couldn't believe how utterly dysfunctional this demolition-derby daredevil was, as well. I'd say that this guy was seriously unhinged (as was the rest of his weirdo family, too).

My guess is that (just like a punch-drunk boxer) Ed's raving behaviour was a result of being hit in the head so many times, crashing cars and deeply inhaling car exhaust fumes on a daily basis. It's the only thing that logically explained Ed's decidedly unbalanced mental state to me.

Anyways - What I quickly found out while watching this documentary was this - One has got to be a real die-hard fan of the sport of demolition derbies to fully appreciate "Speedo" for whatever the heck they might think that it's worth.

I came upon this PBS show just when the son was preparing for his rock band's performance, so I didn't get the full experience. Nevertheless, I was blown away by the manner in which the progression of events accompanied positive personal growth and lifeway changes for Speedo, Liz and Speedo's son (whose name escapes me because he kiddingly referred to himself as "Speedo Jr").

Probably without meaning to, I think Speedo reminds the viewer that men are just as capable of feeling and showing love as are women, but they often do so in ways we don't recognize readily. And, too, I think Speedo lives by some personal (and surprisingly mature) philosophies most of us could aspire to emulate.

From the amount I saw I think I can safely say this show doesn't drag. Neither will it leave the viewer in a puddle of tears. On the contrary, I think it will provide just the right amount of inside info-plus-drama, demo/race-track thrills, and, of course, love, love and more love.

I was left with a feeling of hope; those final rays of sunshine just might beat out any clouds waiting in the future.

Buying note: apparently this is available for just under $20 (US), but I didn't think fast enough to write down the particulars. Anyway, I recommend this for anyone, especially parents.