Quest for the Sea

Following "Pioneer Quest" and "Quest for the Bay", producer Jamie Brown sets two modern Canadian families in Hay Cove in a recreation of a typical small 'outport' community circa 1937.

The format is similar to those efforts, as modern era families try to cope with a world with no television, video games, or other modern diversions. Starting in debt to the merchant supply company, the families need to catch and preserve six tons of cod just to pay the bill.

This effort is entertaining and informative. The young boys take to the adventure more readily than the 14 year-old girl who would rather be talking on the phone to her friends and going to the mall.

Unfortunately, this series does not seem to be available on DVD or tape. I've written the company asking why, but received no response.

A pity.

"Quest for the Sea" is a quality miniseries about recreating an early 20th century way of life (fishing) that was followed in Newfoundland during the 1930s. It is interesting not only as a "reality TV show", but also as a historical documentary. In this day of flash-frozen seafood and "imitation crab meat", a look back at the harsh life of 1930's fisher-folk is worthwhile and illuminating.

We follow the various 21st century family groups that volunteered to join in the recreation through the trials and tribulations of living a sparse, technologically anachronistic existence in the face of some serious challenges. These challenges bring about personal revelations for many of the "cast".