23 Jul 10 Chasing Mummies: Archeology as Reality TV

: Image by vintagedept via Flickr

Dr Zahi Hawass the Egyptian archaeologist is well known to those who enjoy historical documentaries. He is highly respected in his field and is the current Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. I have always found his manner rather abrasive and have tended to avoid his offerings. However, his new TV show program on the History Channel: ‘Chasing Mummies‘ is quite a different affair; this is actually riveting and addictive television. The producers of ‘Chasing Mummies’ seem to have recognised the potential of Dr Hawass’ explosive temper and have harnessed it to great effect.

In one incident, Dr Hawass’ assistant Casey Fitchner gets completely blasted by the good doctor for being late to work. Later, while exploring inside the Stepped Pyramid, Fitchner asks if there is somewhere she can go to the bathroom. Dr Hawass informs her in no uncertain terms that the pyramid is a holy place and of course she can’t go. Later, she can no longer resist the call of nature and wets herself on camera. Dr Hawass’ outbursts make Gordon Ramsey look kindly and avuncular.

The History Channel has kindly provided a preview of Dr Hawass’ temper tantrums in this promo:

The tantrums, the discoveries, the on camera urination are of course all staged. The acting is not particularly convincing and the situations are not completely plausible. Would a respected Egyptologist, aware that he is on camera risk his reputation by going berserk? Would an assistant risk ruining her career by allowing herself to be filmed showing up late for work or wetting herself inside a famous historic life. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) real life just isn’t quite as dramatic as that, and when it is a camera is seldom conveniently running. This is not to say that the scripted nature of the program make it any less enjoyable. I found it hysterical and by far the most interesting presentation by Dr Zahi Hawass that I’ve seen.

Still, the question must be asked; why is a figure recognised as a leading authority in this field involving himself in a blatantly sensational reality TV show? The Pharaohs must be turning in their tombs.