The Eyes of Nye

Bill Nye is most often known as the comedic and silly host of Bill Nye the Science Guy, which aimed at educating young viewers about science, from all sorts of of topics ranging from electricity to wetlands to archeology.

In his new series, The Eyes of Nye, Bill takes on more complicated and often controversial issues such as overpopulation, cloning, and nuclear energy (and nuclear waste). Besides contemporary issues of the day, the series also deals with the science of sports, pseudoscience, and climate changes.

Nye discusses these topics from a scientific viewpoint; he draws upon current research and interviews with prominent scientists and writers. Also thrown in are comedic shorts that often shed a lighthearted perspective on some of the toughest issues. Besides taking a somewhat silly approach to serious topics, the show provides a very serious look at some of the underlying issues that go unnoticed by most people.

Often at the end of the episode, Bill concludes with a discussion on current developments or current laws regarding the topic at hand. He does not take a side on the issues, but rather supports advocacy. Often the take away point of the show is simply to take action - regardless of what side you take. Whether it is to get involved, learn more on your own, or write a letter stating what you think is best, Nye aims at educating people on some of the most misunderstood and often controversial topics in a light hearted, yet grimly serious fashion.

PRO: As I watch the Eyes of Nye I become more and more enamored with its magnificent intertwining of humor, special effects, music, clever writing, social wit, and the talent involved in demonstrating science as fascinating discovery. This guy does not just throw out facts. The show starts asking you, the viewer, a question -- and lets you enjoy a process of discovery, thinking and intrigue. Bill Nye has charisma. I am forlorn that I cannot find any more episodes to immerse myself in. This is the best non-fiction I have ever seen. COME ON BILL NYE -- GIVE US SOME MORE THRU YOUR EYES - WE LOVE IT :)

CON: I despair that I cannot find the shows that I missed; and that Disney (of all people !! Gah!) is selling the series of thirteen 30-min episodes on DVD for $400, sigh.

I'm not sure what the previous reviewer was on, but Bill Nye is still my science guy. His new show is definitely not aimed at children anymore, with topics like "Addiction", "Genetically Modified Foods", and "The Evolution of Sex" with its montage of happily fornicating animals. This is now an adult show. The topics are more serious and the ever-present humor is darker in places (see the '50s school segments).

The science is still there, though. Even topics that I'm normally not interested in like "Sports" and seemingly boring ones like "Antibiotics" are suddenly intriguing when injected with Nye's Sagan-esquire magic. Scientific theory is laid out so everyone can understand it and issues are presented even-handedly, though generally with a welcome lean toward the environment.

I like the survey segments, where Bill takes to the streets and asks people what they think about the current episode's topic. I don't remember if they were in "Bill Nye the Science Guy", but they're nice to see where regular Joes and Janes are on different issues.

Pat Cashman fans rejoice: our favorite radio personality is back in regular segments as an announcer type character.

All in all I'm glad Bill Nye is back. It's a different show from the one I watched as a kid, but we've all grown up since then - and Bill has grown with us.

8/10