Mysterious Creatures with Forrest Galante

Forrest, his wife, and baby travel places to look for creatures.

Most of these types of shows feature likable actors acting out the worst scripting to be found onscreen. This show is the odd one out because the actors aren't likable (more on that later) and the writing is actually pretty good.

The writers spare us from most of the standard fake drama, manufactured reaction shots, whiny fretting, and laughable what-if speculation. The lines Forrest is handed to read are watchable.

What's not watchable are the performers. Forrest comes across as arrogant and frankly not very capable. His wife is along because, um, she's his wife and has an undergraduate degree in biology or zoology or similar (I forget which). She isn't a strong screen presence and in the first two episodes Forrest largely ignores her and doesn't show her much respect when she does offer an opinion. Are we the viewers to think poorly of this couple for some reason?

The answer is a resounding YES! In the third episode they take their baby in a pontoon boat in rough Alaska waters. Forrest then worriedly informs us the boat is not designed for these types of waters and sea conditions. What!?! Responsible parents would have assessed this before putting the child onboard. They sail on a bit longer as the music swells before finally confessing this is a reckless exercise and make for shore. Far from exciting or thrilling, this scene caused me to turn off the show for good. They could have helicoptered in, chartered a proper boat, left the baby in the care of responsible adults, or not made the trip. There is no justification for this scene.

Seven stars for the second episode solving the mystery of the howler, which was interesting. Minus ten stars for everyone involved in irresponsibly endangering a child. No stars.

My husband and I are actually watching this program right now - about the 'Lake Chelan Dragon,' Very interesting but would make one request. When filming in any area, perhaps you might speak with the locals about correct pronunciation of our unique names in this area. Lake Chelan is not Lake Cha-lahn - it's Lake Che (like shu) lan (like man). And our The Dalles isn't The Dahls - it's The Dal (like 'Al') ls. Thanks so much - enjoying it!

The first episode tells a truly gripping story completely different from how most people understand and go about their lives, where people are losing their lives trying to fish and provide for their families. Forrest captures the crocodile, and has an extremely positive impact on the livelihood and wellbeing of this community. These are the stories discovery and animal planet should be telling. Connecting the negative impacts humans have on the planet to its abundant wildlife. This is already an amazing show.

Wild animals don't need pharmaceuticals. They never did and never will. They did not evolve with them and it's a crime of animal abuse to inject them with these toxic poisons. This show is mildly entertaining and interesting but the total garbage propaganda completely ruins any good aspects of the show. I have a feeling the rest of the show is just as absurd. Honestly thr hosts aren't that likable and the show doesn't focus on some of the more interesting aspects of things covered. Cinematography is decent. But overall in the vein of the corny infotainment that plagues cable tv with modern production techniques and slightly better quality. It's easy to watch but designed for mouth breathers and marginally educational.

Fascinating.

If you're a film junkie like myself then you'll appreciate the time and effort that Forrest Galante and everyone else put in to make this happen.

I enjoyed it. Not my place to say where it could have been improved. It is what it is.

Thank you.