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IRT - We have seen enough

July 16, 2011

Ice Road Truckers is now in its 5^th season and I can’t help thinking that 4 seasons would have been enough. We have seen the different roads, weather conditions, technical difficulties and personal problems. What more is there to show?

What we get now is more of the same, or maybe I should say: too much of the same. Hugh with his less than likable attitude has outstayed his welcome a long time ago as far as I’m concerned. Dave’s non-stop whining is really annoying and so far the newbie from New York City hasn’t contributed anything significant. Rick Yemm  is making more mistakes then everybody else combined and is a caricature of a trucker. A guy with a haircut like that I cannot take serious anyway.

I was disappointed that Jack Jesse left; at least he seemed to be a no-nonsense professional. Alright, Alex is a good guy and his demeanor and helpfulness have earned him a solid spot. Of all the drivers that have been profiled on the show those two seem to be the most serious and close-to-reality drivers.

I suppose the makers had to spruce it up a little in order the keep the viewer’s attention. Make things look more exciting than they really are. Build up the tension; show a trainer with a horrified look on his face, then go to a commercial. A few minutes later we learn that nothing really happened..

Yes, I know that I’m critical and may be it has to do with the fact that I’m a trucker myself. I’m still watching IRT but I have no longer the feeling that I can’t miss an episode. It will be hard to surprise me with something new and original.

Truckers need to know when it is time to stop, so do the makers of TV shows.