The UnXplained

Actually most of the phenomena, artifacts and mysteries in this series CAN be explained, but it's still good fun to listen to Shatner's faux awe and excitement as he explains them. (Remember, he's the guy who thought it was a good idea to recite the lyrics to "Rocketman" while chain smoking on a variety show.) The episodes are interesting, and the research is good, but there really is nothing astonishing about them.

Give it a look, because you won't regret it.

At one level, The UnXplained goes over stock supernatural investigation ground that has been seen many times before (in addition to tapping into X Files nostalgia), but William Shatner's wonderfully dramatic and foreboding introductions and narration make the show very enjoyable. More importantly, while the series includes some commentators who have appeared on Ancient Aliens, it is refreshing to see that The UnXplained also features (very plausible) counter arguments based upon scientific rationales to explain away the ghosts, evil forces, Dyatlov Pass creatures, native American burial ground curse theories, bendy trees, angelic carpenters, or the Knights Templar. And so, in addition to the marvellous presence and tones of the iconic William Shatner, we also have a more balanced approach from the History Channel that does not just uncritically espouse the otherworldly and the arcane. Now that is bordering on an uneXplainable mystery.

Judging by 2 different episodes, they approach each "mystery" in a supernatural/conspiratorial way and not in a what actual happened way.

Lost interest after realizing that.

I just found this show online and have watched season one and heading into season 2. To start with, I watch it because Shatner is entertaining and the show entertains me. Beyond that, they're rehashed stories and, more often than not, they've already been solved (Google a few of these 'mysteries' and you'll see). That being said, I enjoy seeing and hearing the story being told by Shatner. He has a voice and way of telling mundane stories that make them enjoyable. Honestly, I think he could keep us entertained doing a show about watching paint dry. He's just that good at it. If you're a fan of his, you'll probably like the show. If you're not, you probably won't.

Please do not pay attention to some of the negative reviews as this series has a lot to offer its viewers. William Shatner may be long in the tooth (age 89) but his delivery is as smooth as a good scotch, and the production value of each short story are always top notch. I especially enjoyed season 2, episode 9, "The Greatest Escapes" which was delivered not as a series of documented facts, but merely speculative on the part of William Shatner which had me (for one viewer) wondering what the real story is, and what actually happened? Shatner discussed the escapes underwater of the Great Harry Houdini, as well as the escape of three convicts who disappeared off of Alcatraz island never to be seen again (which to this day are still unexplained, thus the series title).

If you enjoy real life mysteries, which can lead a family into robust conversations and various opinions, then The UnXplained is a must see.

I give this series a highly rated 8 out 10 IMDB rating.