In what could potentially be one of the most graphic depictions of war ever shown on television, G4, a Comcast Entertainment Group network, has announced that it will produce a new reality show called 'Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan."
The series, which was first mentioned in the Marine Corps Times, will chronicle the lives of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel in Afghanistan. Scheduled to premiere in the spring, 'Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan" will track a Navy EOD platoon through its training here in San Diego and then into action.
This show could give the term "reality show" all new meaning. While last year's Academy Award winner 'The Hurt Locker,' which depicted the lives of three Army EOD experts in Iraq, was violent and intense, some troops said it was too stylized and not realistic. And of course everyone who watched the movie knew they were just actors.
But 'Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan" is a whole different story. Could it be too realistic for television? Is that even possible in this anything-goes TV age? Still, it's hard to envision a show that actually follows an EOD platoon as it looks for and disposes of bombs, given the volatile and violent nature of the work. It is without question one of the the most dangerous jobs in the military.
Just how graphic will "Bomb Patrol" get? If a bomb explodes in someone's arms, for example, and wounds or even kills a member of the platoon, will they show it? Producers aren't saying. But the network says camera crews will embed with the platoon and provide an inside look at the high-pressure world of bomb disposal.
'There is simply no way to comprehend the incredible amount of pressure and split-second decision-making these individuals must undertake in the worst possible physical conditions without riding along with them as our cameras will do,' G4 president Neal Tiles said in a press release. 'This is a rare opportunity to showcase the work of the courageous men and women on the front lines, and share with our viewers all the real-life drama, teamwork, danger and triumph that goes along with this specialized job.'
G4 is described by Comcast Entertainment Group as a network 'offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity and 'Internet culture' for the male 18-34 demographic." Comcast Entertainment Group also operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour entertainment network, E! Online, and the Style Network, a lifestyle network for women 18-49.
Officials at G4 say the network plans to spend 12 weeks filming "Bomb Squad: Afghanistan" this fall, but have not said specifically where or when filming will take place. EOD platoons are the unsung heroes of this war. I can only hope this show doesn't exploit them in any way the name of ratings.
