On Thin Ice - BBC documentary

raigraphixs · 02-07-2009, 2:35 PM

Anyone see this last sunday, i just watched wednesday's repeat off the opening episode as James Cracknell and Ben Fogle attempt to race to the South Pole. We see them start their training and surrender their bodies for rigerious tests as they come to terms with the extreme dangers that await. Also they search for a third member, a British tv/film celeb based in LA (Johnny Lee Miller). They even fly over to Hollywood for some bonding. But can he commit due to tv filming schedule? The first episode was funny and interesting.

BBC iPlayer - On Thin Ice: Episode 1

mossym · 02-07-2009, 2:37 PM

it's recorded on the sky box, haven't watched it yet, but intend to

Fifty · 03-07-2009, 7:52 AM

I thought the funniest bit was when 'down to Earth' Johnny Lee-Miller got all diva-like on camera when asked if he was enjoying it or something.

How very Hollywood.

mrapbp · 03-07-2009, 8:45 AM

Watched this on Sunday, really enjoyed it!

wizbongre · 03-07-2009, 10:42 AM

A guy I work with took part in the race - he was in the third placed Team Danske Bank entry.

He's been back in work with all his fingers and toes for a while so guess the frostbite didn't get him!

Personally, I think he's mad to do it but what an achievement!

raigraphixs · 06-07-2009, 12:43 AM

Episode 2

Another good episode, and a downbeat one at that, the 3 guys were starting to break down. Shame about Miller, but the Doc came in useful in the feet department regarding James. And what shocking news at the end for Ben!

SlinkDaddy · 06-07-2009, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raigraphixs

Episode 2

Another good episode, and a downbeat one at that, the 3 guys were starting to break down. Shame about Miller, but the Doc came in useful in the feet department regarding James. And what shocking news at the end for Ben!

It kinda loses the will he wont he make it to the start line suspense cos they have already shown the start of the race in the first episode

. Same goes for Miller, you knew he didn't make the race cos it wasn't him when they showed you their third member at the start.

That said I'm still enjoying the series. It must be tough for Ben Fogle doing these physical challenges with a double olympic gold medal wining athlete as his training buddy.

domtheone · 06-07-2009, 9:09 AM

Watched this last night (and last week).

Great tv overall. I love these kind of programmes

Hve watched Ben's previous adventures (Kilimanjaro/ the South American one referred to in last nights show) and it's all good stuff if you're into this kind of telly.

jdslater1 · 08-07-2009, 4:43 AM

Haven't watched the 2nd episode but I thought it was funny that the 1st names they thought of was Gorden Ramsey and Johnny Lee Millar!
Huge names in the world of arctic travelling!

I would understand that if they would have said we want a name for sponsership reasons but to go for 2 names like that just seemed so weird.

mrapbp · 08-07-2009, 6:45 AM

I think that was the point that they arent big names in arctic traveling but would probably be able to do it and would bring some publicity. I dont think either of the 2 have spend more than a couple of weeks on snow in their lives!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdslater1

Haven't watched the 2nd episode but I thought it was funny that the 1st names they thought of was Gorden Ramsey and Johnny Lee Millar!
Huge names in the world of arctic travelling!

I would understand that if they would have said we want a name for sponsership reasons but to go for 2 names like that just seemed so weird.

jdslater1 · 08-07-2009, 2:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrapbp

I think that was the point that they arent big names in arctic traveling but would probably be able to do it and would bring some publicity. I dont think either of the 2 have spend more than a couple of weeks on snow in their lives!

But their whole rationale was they both seemed to jog a bit (I know it was more then that but Ramsey was abit of a push!). And if it was for the publicity they should have said that to us. I would have accepted and understood that. But they didn't seem to be doing this mission for charity.

mrapbp · 08-07-2009, 2:13 PM

Yea your right, wouldnt have been my fist choices/thoughts either to be fair!

As for the publicity I guess whatever makes the viewing figures higher, at the end of the day that is what this is about (for the people funding it at least).

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdslater1

But their whole rationale was they both seemed to jog a bit (I know it was more then that but Ramsey was abit of a push!). And if it was for the publicity they should have said that to us. I would have accepted and understood that. But they didn't seem to be doing this mission for charity.

raigraphixs · 13-07-2009, 5:52 PM

Episode 3

Last night episode was tragic, how many thing could go wrong for Ben and family. The 3 lads dug deep and managed to get away and start the race.

domtheone · 13-07-2009, 6:53 PM

Aye. Some huge emotional swings to deal with for the team.

Loving it though. My current No 1 TV show to watch at the mo.

kBm · 15-07-2009, 8:44 AM

Caught this last night (not sure what eps is was). Excellent stuff. I'll have to iPlayer the other ones!

I thought it gave alot away about the kind of conditions they would be facing when Cracknell was saying think of the worse scenario and that it will be the most boring endless walk ever, and you may be ok...

Crumbs!

domtheone · 26-07-2009, 8:02 PM

Last second bump for the final episode of this cracking programme.

raigraphixs · 27-07-2009, 12:24 AM

Last episode was an emotional one as they again reached breaking point.

Spoiler;
How great when they reached the finish line to finish 2nd. What I would off liked was interviews when got home with a retrospective.

Fifty · 27-07-2009, 8:16 AM

Yeah, enjoyed watching it, but (spoiler) thought Cracknell came across as a completely selfish idiot when they were on that crevice field and they should have roped up to each other and he just carried on

raigraphixs · 27-07-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty

Yeah, enjoyed watching it, but (spoiler) thought Cracknell came across as a completely selfish idiot when they were on that crevice field and they should have roped up to each other and he just carried on

i would put that down to extreme mental exhaustion and being ill. Not something he would have done if he was thinking straight.

Lezman · 27-07-2009, 10:53 AM

Only watched the last one of these and thought it was great - will get the DVD I think to catch up.

mrapbp · 27-07-2009, 10:53 AM

I agree but he did come across like a bit of an asshole for the whole thing imo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by raigraphixs

i would put that down to extreme mental exhaustion and being ill. Not something he would have done if he was thinking straight.

raigraphixs · 27-07-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrapbp

I agree but he did come across like a bit of an asshole for the whole thing imo.

The doctor Ed Coats came out off it the one with least problems as well.

mrapbp · 27-07-2009, 12:40 PM

Considering the grief James gave him I was quite chuffed about that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by raigraphixs

The doctor Ed Coats came out off it the one with least problems as well.