En pleine nature avec Bear Grylls

Technically / visually it's almost its equal (photography / camerawork are still spectacular), and in terms of character it's more intimate and introspective. But it's also much slower-paced: if Bear alone faced, say, 10 challenges per episode, with a celebrity guest they face, say, 4. There is also one more problem: too much rappelling. It's thrilling to watch the first few times, but when every single episode has it (though I have missed a couple), it gets very repetitive. My favorite episode is probably the one with Vanessa Hudgens - she is extremely likable, and the "screen running" at the end makes for an exciting change-of-pace. Oustanding later episodes include those with the super-fit Keri Russell and Brie Larson. But the show seems to be heading in the wrong direction mid-season 5 (Bautista? Channing Tatum (again)? A professional rock climber???). For this concept at its freshest, see the "Man Vs. Wild" specials "Fan Vs. Wild" and the one with Jake Gyllenhaal. *** out of 4.

I suspect there are many who would like to go on an outdoor adventure with Bear Grylls, taking advantage of his experience and expertise. "Running Wild" allows the viewer to do that--from the comfort of his easy chair.

In the first episode I watched (from the second season), Kate Hudson--actress, dancer, and daughter of Goldie--accompanied Bear on a traverse of a pass in the Italian Dolomites. They climbed rocks, they hiked above the snowline, they passed through tunnels left over from WWII, and they rappelled beside a raging waterfall. They dined on available foods. They spent the night on pine boughs beside a comforting fire, taking time to discuss some deeper issues.

When it was over, Kate had experienced laughter, tears, and some moments of contemplation and insight. What more could you ask for? I think Bear likes to push his guests beyond their comfort zones. But he seems rather trustworthy in his exhaustive knowledge of techniques for negotiating risky situations. These are transformative experiences and it's fun to share them.

Update 7/29/15: After three episodes, it is clear that this show is even more than I thought it was. By sharing the triumphs of Bear's guests, the viewer is treated to elevating experiences. As the book says, "Feel the Fear and do it Anyway" and that principle is embodied by the show and its lesson is made real. I am increasing my grade to 9. Enjoyable and inspiring.

I was truly skeptic when I saw the trailer for this show. "Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls" was forced. But "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" was toned down and felt much more relaxed. The survival techniques and stunts used felt like something a normal mortal person have any chance to use.

The episode with Ben Stiller was genuinely funny. The 4 celebrities I've seen so far have all been interesting and all different. It also helps that Bear Grylls seem to be a sympathetic person.

This show has managed to renew the somewhat fatigued survival genre. It's nice to be positively surprised sometimes!

So I will say off the top that I am not a viewer of this show. I am, however, aware of it and have seen bits and pieces of it over time. Even that little bit was more than too much. First of all, it doesn't take a genius to understand that Grylls and his guests are in no real danger and are NOT fighting for survival. If anything goes bad they have a full on support crew only feet away. They are not actually starving, cold or baking in the heat because all of those situations are remedied as soon as the director says "cut'. So give us a break. However, I could care less about all of that. But ... how dare they go into wildlife habitat and intrude upon, hunt down, torture and kill creatures in their own territories. I just saw a clip from one episode where Grylls made a worm omelet, using live worms and tiny eggs stolen from a bird's nest. They actually mixed these worms in with the cracked eggs and held the cup near the fire, watching the worms writhe in pain as they burned up from the direct heat of the flames. Really???? If you want to demonstrate how to survive in the elements find a way to do it without maiming and murdering animals whose homes you have invaded. Why does NBC, Nat Geo or any reputable network air a program like this? Why are people watching? For entertainment? Hope you're taking good notes because if you really find yourself lost in the woods you won't have a back-up team at the ready on stand-by like fake Grylls does.

Celebrity survivalist Bear Grylls takes various celebrities on a survival adventure. They climb a lot. They hike a lot. They dig around dead animals and they eat gross stuff. They do an overnight in the wild. Bear interviews them. Sometimes he gets a bit deeper than the usual talk show material. This show relies on the celebrity on their lack of comfort with the situation. It's not real survival, but nobody is asking for the Hollywood set to do that. From episode to episode, this show needs an engaging celebrity to sell it. It's best if they're grossed out by the meal. It's great when they have fun and also have a good cry. Bear is an engaging guy and a good host. He pushes these Hollywood types into difficult positions, and he does it with a smile. He's always supportive. He doesn't berate them. It's generally a good show as long as the celebrity guest is good.