S1.E1

The Trigger Effect

Episode aired Oct 17, 1978

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

One thing leads to another and our dependence on technology. A New York City Blackout serves as example.One thing leads to another and our dependence on technology. A New York City Blackout serves as example.One thing leads to another and our dependence on technology. A New York City Blackout serves as example.

Writer
- James Burke
Star
- James Burke

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.2/10

123

YOUR RATING

Writer
- James Burke
Star
- James Burke

1User review

See production info at IMDbPro

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James Burke

Self - Presenter

User reviews1

8.2123

Featured reviews

9Strazdamonas

Dated but excellent

This first episode is a very good example of our dependence on technology. In 1978 they did not have computers being widespread yet but computerization and internet-ization of our daily lives makes this episode ever more relevant. The New York blackout and other disasters like it serve us as a reminder on how dependent we are on technology in our daily lives.

The narration is interesting and fact based, which is always a plus for Documentary style series. The editing was probably the downside, but it may have been intentional given the subject matter.

This series is shaping up to be an under-appreciated gem and definitely worth watching for anyone wondering whether to pick it up. Don't let the release date fool you, it is still quite relevant.

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Goofs
Filmed in 1977/8 atop the World Trade Centre, spookily, from about 8.43 in, James talks about Scandinavian (SAS) Flight 911 and how it is affected by the 1965 New York blackout.

Quotes
James Burke: The story of the events and the people who, over centuries, came together to bring us in from the cold and to wrap us in a warm blanket of technology is a matter of vital importance, since more and more of that technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives. It's become a life-support system without which we can't survive. And yet, how much of it do we understand?
[steps into a lift]
James Burke: Do I bother myself with the reality of what happens when I get in to a big steel box, press a button, and rise into the sky? Of course I don't.