On the Roam

I started watching this because I am a huge fan. I was a huge fan of just another gorgeous body. I watched thinking oh maybe I will get to see a great behind, as we know Jason loves to show us his body. And yes, I got to see the world famous arse. But I stopped watching the show because of a gorgeous body and started watching the show because of a gorgeous mind.

I was shocked to see such a depth of emotion in the show that I was not expecting. It's not so much in the first show, that's to me a typical guy being a guy show. I was shook watching the second show. Watching J, not Jason, J come to life and show his joy of life and art was amazing. And the shows became more about his friends and then the third show showcased his friends completely and gave details of their lives and J was just a commentator. And each show goes on like that.

Listening to the stories of his family of friends was brilliant. These are blue color workers, long haired, tattooed, cursing men who the general public would normally ignore and he gave them voices. He didn't focus his show on himself, he focused on the people behind him and brought them to the front.

The things we do learn about J himself are also amazing. I never thought I would have so much in common with an A lister. When he described loving old beat up things and seeing the patina and beauty in age. Ugh. I felt that. I'm the type of person that can fall in love with a pair of old cracked glasses from my great grandmother. To see him smile at the beauty of light shining on an old chair was cool.

I wish I could personally thank him for the show. This review will have to do it for me. I can't wait for season two. Good job J. Damned good job man.

Sounds deep? It is. A lot of people totally misplaced and misunderstood the show. It's not a motorcycle or petrolhead show, it's not an art show, it's not even a show. It's a roam through life, it's literally in the title. Jason tries to find things about himself through all of his projects and in the process creates or continues legacies for his family, for his friends, the people he reveres and learns from. He roams from one craftsmanship to another intertwining them with his proffessional and personal lives and always concludes there's more to be found. Monumental work in which he invested a lot of himself, both financially and affectively, not necessarilly in this order and it boasts with the creative energy of exceptionally well crafted things of the past (sometimes directly from their creators) that is redirected towards an always uncertain future which never scares him. He's not a man of many words and perhaps that shows a bit too much, but his energy is infectious and you get to share his genuine awe. As long as viewers keep an open mind and don't typecast him, it's just great to watch.

Jason seems like a decent guy but these is the ultimate puff piece of film making.

It looks pretty but there is zero substance to it. Jason seems happy to endlessly repeat himself about how stoked he is without offering any insight at all into the subject.

The first episode I'd love to have heard about the technical aspects of the bikes. Other than how rare they are we learnt absolutely nothing. Quite something for an hour or TV.

I love that he's ecthusiastic for these subjects but as it is it's like listening to a young child try to explain what a nice Christmas they had when they can't get much beyond "it was great".

I watched the first two episodes of On the Roam with Jason Momoa. I enjoyed the first episode. I already knew he was a Harley Davidson enthusiast, but I was still surprised by his depth of knowledge and sheer joy and passion he not only shows for motorcycles, but well, everything! Jason Momoa has played roles like Kahl Drogo in the epic series Game of Thrones and my favorite, Baba Voss in See. In these his sheer physical.presence and menacing looks keep enemies at bay, but in On The Roam, it's his passionate joy and thirst for art, in all its amazing forms that are on full display. Episode 2 titled Painting with Light featuring photographer Todd Hido is where this show really had me hooked. I watched this episode twice and now I'm a fan of Hido's work as well as Jason's. If you follow Jason on social media, he is always promoting work by local artists in many mediums. He is genuinely a fan and now friend of Hido's and you get to see that friendship evolve right before your eyes and it's truly touching. I can't wait to see who else he introduces us to in upcoming episodes. The man has great taste, ohana, and I for one am along for the ride wherever he may roam.

Watching episode one, it feels closer to Parts Unkown than any of the other attempts. Maybe it's because Momoa has that same rebellious passion matched with a deep and genuine curiosity to understand people and their personal experiences. The cinematography also has a very similar feel. I love that it begins in Maggie Valley. It goes deep into the culture and history of the people as well as the beauty of the land they live and love. It's a beautiful blend of oration, storytelling and filming. I will definitely be watching more episodes. I'm not a biker at all but I think this show will offer something of value for everyone. At the very least, just watching Momoa is fascinating as he is one of the most unique public figures we have.