Kevin

(2012-05-07 19:57:51)

Oddities Breaks the Reality Show Mold (In Many Ways)

"I have a hard time trying to communicate with people...skateboarding'sa way for me to communicate..." -Mark Gonzales, ProfessionalSkateboarderEven though the above quote was written by an athlete, I think it fitsthe theme of the show quite nicely. "Oddities" is a series that centersaround an antique store that buys and sells, just that, oddities.Strange medical equipment, and all other manners of macabre artifactscome into and out of the shop, and that alone is interesting, but whatI think makes the show unique, and compulsively watchable are thepeople both in front of and behind the counter.The owners are passionate about their work, and it brings them intocontact with many people. Whether it be authenticators, hobbyists,buyers or even the occasional lawyer, they're always treated kindly andprofessionally. They're not just buying and selling, they'recommunicating their passions.The show does the same thing. A lesser show would consider some patronsas eccentrics, but this show takes a higher stance and presents them asindividuals, not making a point of their uniqueness, but notdownplaying it either. I think the subtext is that, in a way, we're all "Oddities", along withthe things we love.While I do have some reservations about this program (back-to-backepisodes can get repetitive etc) I think this show is up there with alot of the better Discovery Channel Series' (and general TVdocumentaries) and I really hope it gets the audience it so richlydeserves.

planktonrules

(2012-05-07 07:39:08)

Like a train wreck...you just can't stop watching it...

This show consists of folks coming into the Obscura antique store inthe East Village in New York. Sometimes they come to sell something,sometimes to buy or sometimes in search of something illusive--butALWAYS it's weird and often twisted.I've seen this show a few times already, but my daughter just saw ittonight. I think her reaction is the typical sort of reaction anyonewould have if they give the show a chance. When the show began, almostimmediately some sick and weird items began showing up in the Obscuraantique shop. She said "Oh, my gosh!"--and was shocked. BUT, when Istarted to change the channel she told me to wait! She washooked...almost like someone watching a train wreck! Fascinating andcreepy, this is sort of like "Pawn Stars" for Wednesday Addams!Cool...really, really cool. Oh, and by the way, sometimes the peoplecoming to the store are a lot weirder than the stuff the place sells!!