The UnXplained

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.

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.

We've seen about 30 of these same shows before about unexplained phenomena, but many are very cheesy with subpar presentation and production value. History channel manages to create a decently captivating yet cliche show that rises above most unexplained type shows due to excellent production execution. The narration by Shatner is a comforting aspect and is the foundation of the show. The subject matter is interesting enough and elevated by expert photography and well selected atmospheric settings. With 2 episodes so far I want to see what else they focus this season which is something I can't say about 90% of paranormal unexplained shows. It's all about the presentation.

This program follows in the footsteps of Shatner's "Weird or What" series with much of the same content and themes. I watched the episode dealing with viruses and only parts of 2 others, so be aware of that when reading this review.

The virus episode stated some very valuable and good information but on at least two occasions, it veered into the 'paranormal' nonsense and that really turned me off. What's different about this show (as opposed to say "Ancient Aliens") is that while they mention unexplained incidents, they do not lend any credence to them necessarily.

I thought they did a good job of explaining the history of viruses and plagues and the origin of vaccines, though they could have gone much more in depth.

In summary, the fact that I watched it beginning to end is a good indication that this is not a show that focuses on paranormal subjects and that is a good thing. I could easily be a much better and more worthwhile program but as it is, it's tolerable and I did enjoy parts of it. 7/10 for me.

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.