In memory of the Captain and Crew of the F/V Ocean Challenger
Now, why couldn't the producers, editors, directors, or whoever is responsible have added this to the end of the show?
The handling of the survivor and victims of the Ocean Challenger by Deadliest Catch was simply inexcusable.
Did they need to "interview" a clearly shocked and hypothermic survivor before he even got off the chopper? And what was the point of showing 2 body bags on stretchers?
SIMPLY. NO. EXCUSE.
and quite disappointing to realize they'd exploit a tragedy in this way.
Indeed any loss of life is a tragedy but this is a REALITY show & DC hasn't marketed a single episode using the grim footage you mention. I'm happy the show accurately depicts the true risks & consequences these hardworking folks & their families face every day they're on the seas. Too often we shield our gaze from terrible realities. I believe DC does a terrific job of showing the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.
I agree edmundfitzgerald...I believe that what these crews and captains do for a living is the dealiest job ever. I did not think that the show was done in poor taste nor did I become upset that they did not put an "In Memory Of..." at the end of the show. I think that with this reality TV show you need to be able to get across just how deadly this job is to the average public. I believe that showing the emotions that the other captains were feeling was enough of a "In Memory Of..." for me.
I dont think they are exploiting anything or anyone, after all it is a "reality" show. As for the bodybags, it is called the "Deadliest Catch" and for good reason.
We KNOW why it's called Deadliest Catch. We DIDN'T need to actually see the body bags to know that. What was the purpose, other than exploitation? Even the lowest level programming has the decency NOT to show images like that!
I think the point that is being missed is not the rescue, but that DC supposedly never told the families of the deceased crew members the rescue was going to be aired.
When the WTC was attacked, the initial camera footage showed people jumping out of the building. Out of respect for the families, the videos were edited deleting those scenes. I don't think this is any different. Common decency would dictate that DC at least let the families know the footage would be shown.
However, I'm only basing my assumptions on others who have posted here claiming to be family members. I have given them the benefit of the doubt and wholeheartedly agree the footage of the crew being rescued without family approval was wrong.
I'm glad they didn't use that footage to try to drum up ratings for the show. They could have used that footage in the previews and they never did so for that I do give the Discovery Channel kudos. That being said I think it was horrendous that the Discovery Channel did not notify the victims families prior to the airing of the show. Many of the families had no first hand knowledge that the tragedy would be shown until it was. I can not imagine how those families felt seeing that without prior warning. However, I do think that the sinking of the Ocean Challenger was relevant to the show and they did give credit to the Coast Guard calling them the "Guardians" of the fishing vessels. I'm glad for that because the USCG is sometimes underappreciated. I thought the footage was done with tact although they could have done away with the footage where the bodies were being taken off the copter. God Bless the Valiant men of the Ocean Challenger and their Families!
Yes, the raw reality of this particular show was absolutely biting. That's what those folks face and battle out there every day during the fishing seasons. I have experienced similar tragedy personally, my best friend, my older brother was tragically killed on the job while working the Texas Oil Feilds. Life is hard and sometimes sux, but we all need a cold slap of reality from time to time to make us appreciate our loved ones, health, and happiness. I think the DC accomplished just that. The view of the bodies were at least skewed, but the incident/accident in itself was placed into the public domain as soon as it happened. The event, as all those before, was tragic. My condolences to the families of those brave men.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: txcoastal1,
Kudo's to DC for making this very real. Every crabber knows that each season they may loose their crewmate or best friend...This is the risk THEY have chosen to take. These guys all love what they do, and it seems fitting they if the ocean is the last place they take a breath...so be it. I come from a family of fisherman all the way back to my Great Grandfather...not one of them has passed on land, and everytime I'm out there, they are with me...Great Job DC!
I've been asking myself what I would feel if it was my family member. Would I want to see it? See-sawed back and forth about it. I've had family members die far from home and there's a thousand questions that run through the head. I've been with family members who passed and there were still a thousand questions, but they were different questions.
Even though the families of those lost on Ocean Challenger may have had hints from the previews and write-ups about what was going to be shown, they didn't really 'know'. It would have been a respectful and courteous thing for the Discovery Channel to have contacted them.
I strongly agree with Kairbair, though, that out of respect for the profession and the men, the truth needs to be told. It's too easy to sanitize the dangers and the losses.
I am with some of you on the reality part of this edit that blured the images, but showed the effort and reality. What I take offense to is the fact that for those of us who follow the Deadliest Catch and put their hearts out to these brave seafarers, it was unconsionable to end one episode with a single successful rescue, and no mention of the status of the 3 missing men until the next episode aired. I know what you are thinking, this isn't in real time, but for those of us watching, it is, and I personally hung on the tragedy, wanting to know what happenned to the other men. Where DC lackes integrity, was in editing the follow-up into the next episode, simply to get viewers back. There was no reason to keep us on edge other than as a teaser. That is Dead Wrong, to use our emotions that way. Some may not believe that you can be connected to another over space and time, but my prayers and thoughts and my heart is with these brave souls every minute during and after their actual seasons. I am part of this event and I want to be treated with respect as well, not teased for my advertising value. I hope that communicates.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: spectria,
if they hadn't showed the footage some would criticize that they were not being honest enough in their coverage - they do show it and others criticize the decision to do so. Can’t please everyone all the time. When the decision to air that footage or other similar footage comes up, they have to go with their charter. They are an entertainment company. They will do what they believe is going to be the most entertaining to the majority of their audience. And they do this well. So well, that I’ll be back again next week, and every week after to watch this show. It’s sad when they show the footage – but it’s real, and the realness of this show is why I personally tune in. if they edited it and softened it to much, then it wouldn’t be as real.
So Let me see if I get this straight, because "THEY" are an "ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY" that justifies whatever they put on the screen and how they edit to snag any loose brain cells you have? It's sad that you admit that that is why you come back week after week. My point was and is that using the tragedy of the Ocean Challenger as a teaser to end and begin episodes was wrong, not that they showed what happenned eventually. I love the show, I think Discovery is the best thing on TV, and I hardly watch TV for anything else, especially Deadliest Catch. So lets cut that tape with integrity, and don't use the tragedy(ies) as leaders (like they did again this week with "Man Overboard")!!!
It is a reality show, I expect to see reality and I agree with Edmund. Death is part of the job. If you turn on your local news at night you'll see bodies that arent in bags. I feel that the people at DC are doing a great job. The people who do that job know the risks and take them accordingly.
First off I think they had to interview him to know what happened and the sooner the better. I think the showing of the bodies helped to inforce the fact that it is the DEADLIEST Catch.
Spectria, I agree with you on everything you said. I thought it was in very bad taste to use the lives of real sons, fathers, and brothers as a 'cliffhanger' for next week's episode. I certainly don't find the loss of life entertaining.
Those are very valid points that everyone are making. The DC people are not stupid they know what there limits are. They didn't show the accrual bodies. They were either covered or blurred out. Deadliest Catch is not a horror show. It's a documentary. The show was made to show people what goes on in the world. It depicted the courageous efforts of the Coast Gard, not only showing the captains point of view but that there are other sides to the "story". Everyone is putting there life on the line, and everyone is effected. To end I think that the captains said it best "This is the nature of the game."Sig "This is the real deal and people really die" Phil. This post was not to shut anyone down, or lash at anyone, but to show that sometimes it is necessary to show the harsh reality if only to educate. To warn people that you only have so much time on this earth. We should all cherish and value the time, and to give thanks to everyone whos puts there life on the line so that we can have the kind of life style that we live.
Thanks for your well-thought out reply. I understand where you're coming from. I think my heart just goes out to the families involved - I'm sure everyone on here would agree.
We'd never understand any of what both the fishermen and the Coast Guard endure out there if it wasn't for DC. I know I've gained quite a bit of respect for the USCG, whereas before, I wasn't even quite sure what they did. The Coast Guard has an interesting history - another thing I never would have researched without this show.
Anytime. I have always respected your opinions, Ladycrabby. Thats one of the things that drew me to this topic and of course your name. lol I understood were you were coming from and as I do not wish for you to change your opinion unless you wish to on your own accord. I'm just happy to see you took my words into consideration.
