It seems that many of you aren't happy with the changes in the show. Let's remember that discovery is producing the show and they are tryiing to serve us, the viewers. So far season three feels a little different, no Josh, which seems to be a love/hate thing with the viewers here. Some miss him some think he wasn't a good "stormchaser". It seems the new season has gone more towards the chase, showing less science and more tornado action shots. It also seems that the "drama" between TIV and TVN, and even the Reed/Joel drama has been highlighted. Apparently that is what Discovery thinks the audience wants. They aren't going to please everyone but hopefully they will pay attention to what is being said on this forum. Everyone has to give them some slack because they have to appeal to the masses and they have to guess whats going to draw viewers. I do wonder why people are still talking about how much they hate Reed/TVN, or Josh, or Sean, etc why are you watching??? Thats kinda what the show is about...the "Stormchaser" I dont mind the complaining here but try not to ONLY complain. In season one I thought Reed might be a tool, but he has never acted like anyone but the crazy, loud, ever yelling, guy that he must truly be. You cant act like that unless you are being yourself, and by season 2 I have to admit he is a character for sure, but I like him. Plus anyone who thinks he doesn't know how to get really close to a tornado, hasn't been watching the show. You might not agree with his methods but he is obviously passionate and acccomplishes his goals. Josh is a scientist but sometime science makes for boring tv to those who want to see tornado and storm chasing. TV show are not the best source for data collection and scientific study, BUT I bet the show has helped promote(money, and intrest = more research) and i am pretty sure that everyone that was previously studying the prediction of storms, still is. Does anyone else wonder about the choice of TIV's Dogpound. I don't want to judge them too soon, but so far the guys haven't impressed me. I think Sean is going to kill them before the season's end. If he really want to finish his IMAX film he probably should suck it up and just follow Reed and the crew. I don't know if he will ever chase again if he gets his shot. What do you guys think??? I will give him respect for being the first guy I have heard of to build a car to TRY and drive into a tornado, even if it isn't for mainly for science...that takes commitment.

I second seasofchz, right on! We should not be so quick to judge anyone on the show, and if you really don't like the show, don't watch. I don't watch most shows because the suck, but i also don't go on sites to complain about them. I bet everyone on the show will look good in the end.

I second seasofchz, right on! Again, I would have to say we should be careful judging the people on the show. There is obviously so much we don't know or see. If you hate the show and the characters maybe changing the channel will help. I don't watch most TV, but I also don't waste my time on sites complaining about them. I bet these guys will all look good in the end. (Oh, yeah, all guys, no women?!?!)

SeasofChz:
First off, a couple of corrections. Reed was not on season 1, he appeared during season 2, and this is season 3. Second, Sean's meteorologist team is in DogHOUSE not dogpound...lol
I do agree with you on most of your points, especially that once Sean gets his shot (I have heard that he got it this year, but I don't know that for a fact) he probably will not chase again. After all, he is a film maker not a meteorologist. But maybe he will make a second "Tornado Alley" movie and need more footage?? Or maybe Discovery will make him an offer he can't refuse? JMHO

How about tonight’s show the return of Josh what is his deal his ego is like out of control. He’s like trying to take over tornado alley from the other guys. He thinks his poo don’t stink now. They can all benefit from each other out there but they are all at each others throats this year. Tim is the only guy who seems to be out there just doing his thing not worrying about anyone else’s business.

no one is getting alone

quote:

Originally posted by timebandit08:
no one is getting alone

Intentionally so...

My critique:

#1- overhyped, obviously phony drama & silly "conflict" between the various groups- it's pandering and silly. I watch for the tornadoes, not for the interaction between TV characters.

#2- whoever is shooting/editing needs to go back to school. Jerky jumpy shots (protip: GET A FREAKING TRIPOD AND USE IT!!), ~*~*~*~*EXTREME*~*~*~*~* closeups of people's nostrils/eyeballs/facial expressions, blurry footage, etc- it's annoying and incredibly lame. Again, I want to see the friggin' cloud formations and tornadoes! Show me the rotating wall cloud, people- not the inside of Sean's nostril or Josh's eyeball.

#3- dangerous, dumb and dishonest. This is a rant I probably should have made on ST, but whatever...the bottom line is that this kind of show encourages idiots to hop in Mommy's minivan with a video camera, and drive straight into an awaiting Darwin Award. Sure, tornadoes are "cool"- but they kill people. (Just ask my friends who didn't survive the 1990 F5 tornado in Andover, KS.)

The bottom line is that this show is not edutainment/infotainment...it's not about educating the public about severe wx so much as hoping some freewheeling goofs manage to avoid winding up in a twisted ball of wreckage (or in the nearest morgue, awaiting ID and next-of-kin notification).

Anyway, my opinion is strictly that: my opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by ksfarmgirl90:
My critique:

#1- overhyped, obviously phony drama & silly "conflict" between the various groups- it's pandering and silly. I watch for the tornadoes, not for the interaction between TV characters.

#2- whoever is shooting/editing needs to go back to school. Jerky jumpy shots (protip: GET A FREAKING TRIPOD AND USE IT!!), ~*~*~*~*EXTREME*~*~*~*~* closeups of people's nostrils/eyeballs/facial expressions, blurry footage, etc- it's annoying and incredibly lame.... c

LOL! Yes, Storm Chasers is turning into "The Blair Witch Project" meets "The Wizard of Oz."

quote:

LOL! Yes, Storm Chasers is turning into "The Blair Witch Project" meets "The Wizard of Oz."

At least Dorthy showed us what happens when you get sucked in by a tornado, you end up in Munchkin Land!

I agree that this year is going down hill for sure the bouncy shots are coming from the chasers point a view mostly not the discovery crew that is out there but also handling a full size professional video camera in a moving vehicle in the back seet has to be hell. Look at the size of the camera troy carries in dirty jobs try handling that thing from a cramped car going 70 down a crapy back road in the middle of farm land.

Pretty new to the show. Have watched a few from last season and this episode. I think we need to remember that there are many different people watching for various reasons. Some for the thrill, some for the science, and some for the character interaction. Myself, living in the midwest, I have driven around a tornado and known people personally devistated by them. I think all the people could work on the show, but I would like them all to remember the people affected by these storms a bit more and not forget the serious threat they pose. It is thrilling to track down and see such forces of nature, I agree. I would like to see a bit more on the show about what data the probes collect and exactly how it will help people be safer. When I think of the nature of Discovery Channel, my first idea is that I am going to learn something useful. Keep the thrill (maybe a bit less screaming) while educating!

quote:

Originally posted by ksfarmgirl90:
My critique:

#2- whoever is shooting/editing needs to go back to school. Jerky jumpy shots (protip: GET A FREAKING TRIPOD AND USE IT!!), ~*~*~*~*EXTREME*~*~*~*~* closeups of people's nostrils/eyeballs/facial expressions, blurry footage, etc- it's annoying and incredibly lame. Again, I want to see the friggin' cloud formations and tornadoes! Show me the rotating wall cloud, people- not the inside of Sean's nostril or Josh's eyeball.

I will never fault anyone on the "jerkiness" of a camera shot on this show. These people are chasing tornadoes, not on a set in LA. I understand some of the complaints on zooming in and stuff, it's w.e, just trying to capture the emotion. Just my .02.

Lame. Most disappointing show of the series. I tune in to watch "Nerds vs Tornadoes," not "Nerds vs Nerds." If I want to watch petty bickering I'll find a cable reality show to watch. Seriously, there were ZERO tornadoes on the show.
I should've kept watching the World Series.

OK, I just complained about the bickering nerds, but Sean and Reed should team up against Josh. What a tool.

quote:

Originally posted by WillieWannabe:
I will never fault anyone on the "jerkiness" of a camera shot on this show. These people are chasing tornadoes, not on a set in LA.

It's fairly well known among the storm chasing community- especially those out hunting that "one in a million money shot"- that to get really GOOD footage one generally needs to use a tripod. I can understand a few jerky shots, but I have a feeling that the show's editors decided to use only garbage meant for the cutting room floor (to ramp up the "reality show" dramatic flavor).

That said, using a metal tripod in and around lightning isn't always the wisest idea...I'm surprised one of them hasn't already become a smouldering statistic.

quote:

Originally posted by ksfarmgirl90:

quote:

Originally posted by WillieWannabe:
I will never fault anyone on the "jerkiness" of a camera shot on this show. These people are chasing tornadoes, not on a set in LA.

It's fairly well known among the storm chasing community- especially those out hunting that "one in a million money shot"- that to get really GOOD footage one generally needs to use a tripod. I can understand a few jerky shots, but I have a feeling that the show's editors decided to use only garbage meant for the cutting room floor (to ramp up the "reality show" dramatic flavor).

That said, using a metal tripod in and around lightning isn't always the wisest idea...I'm surprised one of them hasn't already become a smouldering statistic.

I agree. I think Sean's video technique is completely different than Reed's. I've heard Sean say many times to not move too much in the TIV and rock the camera. Reed on the other hand is always passing around a camera to different windows or running into a ditch to film. Not going to get the best shots in those cases.

quote:

Originally posted by ksfarmgirl90:
That said, using a metal tripod in and around lightning isn't always the wisest idea...

Carbon fiber works well too, it just costs more.

Am I right in that Reed and Joel thought the Bridge out was 4 miles away (possibly "wasting 10 minutes" to find out), when it was actually .4 miles? They should have been able to see it from where they were.

I don't think Sean and crew were necessarily in the wrong in crossing a bridge that wasn't blocked off, but if they didn't note any weight restrictions maybe they shouldn't have risked it. And why take it slow? I'd think faster would have been safer.

Josh was right in being irritated at Sean for being late, but taking 15 seconds at the end of the meeting for a frivolous announcement didn't rate the threat he made.

Reed just doesn't know when to shut up. It's really irritating to have someone saying "Smile, my little frowny clown!" if you happen to be in a lousy mood.

I've found that it's the third or fourth show in the season where generally nothing happens, the better to save the more "exciting" stuff for later on (i.e., sweeps month). I mean, changing a tire, seriously? Even Dirty Jobs knows when not to show a segment that doesn't make very good TV.

I was really looking forward to the new season. The utter power of nature and the ferociousness of a tornado is incredible. Season 1 and 2 were enjoyable to watch. Unfortunately I guess that Discovery thought they were targeting too intelligent of an audience with these two seasons.

This season is an incredible disappointment. I can live with Sean being Sean and having a big ego. Josh had knowledge to contribute that was educational. This year we are saddled with that idiot Reed. This year's format is following typical cookie cutter "reality" shows and the emphasis is no longer on the storms and the humbling power of nature but to see idiots yelling and screaming.

One thing I think we need to keep in mind about the 2009 strom season is this.... there weren't a lot of tornados produced this year. Especially in comparison to the 2008 season. Couple the limited number of storms producing tornados with the difficulty of being in the right spot at the right time and the result is limited tornados on film.

Last night's show was awesome as usual, but there is a few things I must point out. First, I was happy to see some familiar faces return like Josh and the rest of his DOW crew. They really should be a part of the show, and I hope they are around in future episodes. That brings me to my second point, why did Sean think he and the TIV were apart of Vortex 2? It's strictly for research, not IMAX films. I was looking forward to seeing him chase with that group. While I support Sean's anxiousness to make his film, I disagree with some of his decisions. And last, remember the teaser before the season started a few weeks ago with Sean shouting "DRIVE RIGHT THROUGH IT!!" Well I was disappointed to see he was yelling at a rainbow, and not a tornado LOL. Oh, and where was Tim? He's a great addition to the show IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by bigblade714:
Last night's show was awesome as usual...

Clearly you weren't watching the same show the rest of us did.

I enjoy the show whether it's a full hour of chasing or not, no matter who is or isn't on camera this season. This season isn't the best, I can agree with you there, but that doesn't mean anything to me.

I assume Sean and his crew were joking about driving through the rainbow. If not, then be very afraid.

Editors....I spot their tricks a mile away sometimes. Its evident in almost all reality tv shows, anytime you start seeing a little strife. I think they're pulling some **** with the footage of the TVN guys sometimes (obviously not the moment in the car). No doubt that I would've already been in Reed's face a long time ago due to his annoying nature....although he does seem to do a good job of getting in the storms.

I miss the dynamic of the first two seasons too, and I must say I actually liked Josh Wurman a lot until this last episode when he acted like he and his Vortex2 team was the second coming. I mean, sure the scientific aspect of chasing these tornados is of higher priority than an imax shot of one....but to act like Sean and the TIV crew bring nothing at all to the table is IMO way off base. Load the TIV up with as much equipment as you can and get them close enough for them to kamikaze their way into one of these tornados that TVN seems to have no problem getting into. Then you'll have your data and Sean will have his shot.

All that sounds a lot simpler than it actually is I'm sure....and I imagine there's a lot of things we're not seeing off camera. Sean seems a bit self-centered at times, and if you look at several of the previous seasons episodes....he downs Josh and his abilities a lot on camera....but at the same time Josh flat out sends them in the wrong direction time and time again, and also refuses to listen to other members of the group, all the while insisting he is right (go see for yourself if you have the means). I had no idea how bad it was until I went back and reviewed a few of those episodes last night.

Either way, a little teamwork would go a LONG way with this group.


So here's my take:

Reed is annoying....but effective most of the time.
Josh has some type of God complex right now and needs to come back to reality.
and Sean needs to back it down a notch and try to play ball if he wants to get his shot.

Hopefully the season does get better either way.

Of coarse Sean and Josh will get back together. Otherwise the Discovery crew will not film the Vortex crew and they get no publicity. Yes, they are funded, but I'm sure they want to be on the TV show. So when Sean said "Bye Bye" Vortex, it meant the end of their time on camera.

I bet that Vortex is not shown at all in episode 4.

I actually like Reed. It seems like Joel isn't into chasing as much anymore. If that's the case he should have a sub to take his place if he's unable or unwilling to go. Otherwise I guess he should be permanently replaced. It was obvious in the previous episode (when Joel refused to go) that they really needed a third person.

Sean has his moments. He's frustrating in that he invariably makes the wrong decision when someone is telling him where to go. But if he keeps his temper in check he's pretty entertaining. I respect the time and money he's put into following his dream. And TIV2 seemed to kick butt this time. Every passing moment I expected something to break!

I was extremely disappointed and disgusted with Josh. I was happy when it looked like he was back but after hearing his attitude (and threat) toward Reed and then his attitude (and again a threat) toward Sean I think Josh has turned into a weather diva. I wonder how much of the funding for Vortex2 came about (during the Great Recession no less!) due to the exposure that Storm Chasers gave to Josh and the DOW...

I think (hope) Josh and Sean should kiss and make up. If they have to do it privately I don't care just as long as they each understand the others' goal and that they can help each other. Does Sean contribute a lot of science for Vortex2? Not really, but Sean helps provide something equally as important - exposure to the masses. Sean really needs Josh (or at least some competent people to tell him where to go or not go).

edit: I forgot to say I really want to see more of the wall cloud motion. They rarely ever focus on the structure of the storms. It would also be helpful to have pointers about inflow, outflow, updraft, downdraft, and what that looks like in the current storm.

quote:

Originally posted by ksfarmgirl90:
My critique:

#1- overhyped, obviously phony drama & silly "conflict" between the various groups- it's pandering and silly. I watch for the tornadoes, not for the interaction between TV characters.

#2- whoever is shooting/editing needs to go back to school. Jerky jumpy shots (protip: GET A FREAKING TRIPOD AND USE IT!!), ~*~*~*~*EXTREME*~*~*~*~* closeups of people's nostrils/eyeballs/facial expressions, blurry footage, etc- it's annoying and incredibly lame. Again, I want to see the friggin' cloud formations and tornadoes! Show me the rotating wall cloud, people- not the inside of Sean's nostril or Josh's eyeball.

Bingo. Well, I gave it three episodes, but it just keeps dumpster-diving. No more. Sorry, Discovery Channel -- speaking as a fan of Seasons 1 & 2, it seems I'm not part of the 13-year-old World Federated Wrestling fan demographic that you're trying to pull in with these dreadful exercises in bad scripting, bad editing and bad acting.

See ya.

*plonk*

quote:

Originally posted by SeasofChz:
It seems that many of you aren't happy with the changes in the show. Let's remember that discovery is producing the show and they are tryiing to serve us, the viewers. So far season three feels a little different, no Josh, which seems to be a love/hate thing with the viewers here.

No offense, but it's not "a little different," it's a completely different sensibility compared to the first two seasons.

Instead of playing out the incredible drama of the storms, the sky and the chase, we get hyped, manufactured conflicts that are just one step short of Jerry Springer. Instead of the dramatic visual feast of the Plains in storm season, we get purposely jerky camera moves, hyperfast cutting and endless closeups of Guys In Angst.

Sorry, folks. The network and producers are dumpster diving for viewer demographics. From story structure to editing, every scene in the first three episodes screams their disregard for the dramatic story potential of the material, and their pandering of teenage "personality conflict" stories.

Season 3 of StormChasers is creatively lazy, emotionally bogus, visually unsatisfying, intellectually insulting -- and ultimately, boring.

They have 5 more episodes to appease everyone, and having watch last season 3 times now, the later half of the series picks up, so I wouldn't jump ship now.

There's no need to retype this so here is a repost of something most of you must have missed:

A lot of you people have seen very little of Dr. Josh and are making judgments based on an entertainment show.

As far as the people who say "He keeps missing with the TIV" If you notice the intercepts painted on the front of TIV 1, I'd beg to differ.... It just makes for better TV that way.

Check out this site, by the NOAA:
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/

More importantly this part:
"Some private chase teams and tours have marine radars mounted on their vehicles; however, these are for promotional purposes and have no use in research. Marine radar signals actually tend to interfere with research units like the DOWs."

This was the big issue about the radar, they are very sensitive, and just shooting things up in the air randomly really screws with their accuracy. I'm sure the part of the telephone conversation everyone didn't hear would explain why the hostility. They only played the interesting part.

Creative cutting makes for good TV. Boring Scientists are made interesting that way.
Where would Batman be without the Joker? Someone has to be the Villain.

addendum:

I've seen people whining about the "TIV not an official part of VORTEX2" comment. In intelligent people speak, this simply means they are not funded by the people who are paying for VORTEX2. That's all, nothing more, nothing less.

I think the majority of the people who are posting should do a little reading before they spout out this that and the other.

Bring back the Twister Sisters.

The twister sisters show was all character not much storm. What does everyone think makes a viable tornado series? Were season one and two the best it could get? Has amyone seen tornado road that was on the weather channel. Talk about a show that every scene looked staged. But still a good chaser show because it seemed real with regard to chasing. Lots of peope in cars. All of the shows can fall victim to boring because its just people in cars. Storm Chasers has the most compelling people in cars that are cool. Doing more than just chasing. So just because they have the most exposure now everyone wants to hate. Do you know how many chasers want to be on tv. I bet most would bore the crap out of us. At least sean reed and josh make great characters. Its tv and you can change the channel or watch a hi drama fast action show that has educational value and high quality tv value. Just IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by tang18:
Also bring back hannah.

I concur.

quote:

Originally posted by gernith:

quote:

Originally posted by tang18:
Also bring back hannah.

I concur.

bring back Justin

Ok...I like the show, but don't like Josh any more. One is why was he so nasty about the dog. What did it matter..it was a minute...and he's not very good finding tornados...in fact he's pretty bad about it. At least Reed finds the tornados and films them....to me that's what it's about.

So it's only about getting a tornado on film huh?? It seems to me that what is important is learning how to make earlier predictions about a storm likely to produce a tornado to be able to warn people. Video footage is not real important in the grand scheme of things. It makes for great entertainment and educational tools but thats it.

I will admit - I watch Storm Chasers, Whale Wars, and Operation Repo mainly for the background noise when I'm working on something. It's funny to listen to how pathetic these people are, the really bad scripting, and watch the Tornado Intercept Vehicle junk heaps always breaking down. In my state, the TIVs would be illegal and the first State Trooper they passed would have them impounded.

I don't know why anyone gets super sensitive about these reality shows, half is obviously scripted, situations between the key players *manufactured* to keep viewer interest.

Just take it for what it is - cable TV entertainment.

How would the TIV's be Illegal in your state?

This show is almost entirely staged. Conflicts are almost always staged. Yes there's plenty of drama within the storm chasing community. But this show? Really? People...its a TV SHOW.

quote:

Originally posted by sprtnsky:
How would the TIV's be Illegal in your state?

I live in Perris CA, I actually saw the TIV on the road.. getting off the freeway on the off-ramp known as Diamond Drive in Lake Elsinore. So my guess is that it is street legal here.

Great... Now Reed is going to be even more insufferable.

Tonight's show looks more like the Movie "Twister". One that has gone off with Big money/grant - taxs dollars and the other one uses their own vehicles getting into the heart of Tornado's and coming thru with intercepts.

I like the crew with the jersey's, hands on and loving the chase.

The show itself was better.

I am seriously upset with the imbalance this season. I liked the balance we had in season two. This season is all about drama. There are plenty of videos I can watch if I want to see awesome shots of tornadoes. I had like Storm Chasers because it had that PLUS science. I am just not seeing the science this season. I LIKE the science. It was what made this show for me.

Reed is just getting annoying. I know he gets good stuff. However, he is all about getting the shot. Whatever he is going on about with science and that radar he 'broke the bank on' is just pretense.

Leave the science to Josh and Danny. Leave the movie making to Sean. Leave the drama to Reed.

Reed = Ego gone extreme. F3 or F4 tornado? Give me a break, that mid sized SUV wasn't even touched that was beside you guys and those things flip in flat winds. Can anyone say "exaggeration".

Reed Timmer, the P.T. Barnum of tornado chasing.

I think tonights show is a magnitude better than the first three, so it is a step in the right direction.

A little less annoying interpersonal drama, a little more gadgetry, not much science but two out of three is an improvement.

Somewhat less "Blair Witch Project" type wasted footage of mud and grass.

Still lags last year's balance and wish there was more about Vortex2. As I understand things, this year Josh and the Vortex2 team were able to "surround" entire mesocyclonic systems and get comprehensive integrated data sets for those systems.

Wish there was a show that just concentrated on Vortex2, in a style similar to the PBS NOVA series ..or better.

Love this show. Good stuff. I am not sure why people rip on Reed so much. He is the type of guy I would recruit for my company.

CATBUNNY: How is a 50K+ investment in state of the art equipment pretense? That would be one heck of a moronic and costly bluff for anyone to make. His investment (while huge to him) is peanuts to the government and what do they have to show for their over bloated vortex2 study? The government could have saved insane amounts of time and tax payer money had they found Reed and people of his ilk first.

rwmacevoy: Reeds ego has nothing to do with what the discovery channel itself reported. It wasn't Reed that gave the wind speed for the storm. Go back and watch the tape, it was the DC. If anyone is exaggerating its DC not Reed.

mho1: DC is not publicly funded PBS. THANK GOODNESS! The action in a show like this is just as important as science. They are doing a good job at balancing both.

Reed is also at the for front of a new way of doing things.

Or have you guys simply failed to notice that he has done almost everything all the other teams wanted to do COMBINED, and in such a short time. Its called innovation which is so often driven by the pursuers passion and excitment for the field they love.

The old school will be left behind as they are a lot of the time, when it comes to breakthroughs.

Good job Reed, go get em!

It was freaky watching last nights episode b/c that was the tornado that hit MY town. I totally recognized everything they were showing. That tornado they got stuck in was classified an F1/F2 by the time it was all said and done. It destroyed a lot of homes and businesses. It killed two people and injured many more. I live near the area the tornado hit but luckily we were on the outside edge of the twister and only got hit by the rain wrapping.

I'll tell you what, this show may seem like a joke to a few viewers but when you see your own town on tv getting destroyed...you might change your mind.

Joel wearing the TVN t-shirt which was then abruptly duct-taped, was a nice touch. Although if he followed me that closely on the road he'd see an awful lot of brake lights.

Why does everyone seem so surprised to see a "TORNADO!!!"?

Now we see Reed not only in the Discovery "boom-de-yada" promos (with an obvious voice-over), but in the Lexus bumper ads as well. And in case anyone missed it, the spinning effect of earlier on was as I surmised, a rotating glass sheet intended to fling rain off the actual lens.

"I'm getting radiated!" Smart move, there.

YouTube my handle for some unique video that even Discovery asked for.