"Treasure Hunters"

No, this isn't an editorial about some new pop-slang referring to a sexual participant. Although, that would be an appropriate piece for this space (I still laugh when I hear the term "Cougar" used). Instead, this is about some new pop-show. "Treasure Hunters", is the latest addition to the reality-competition genre. The show, loosely based on the film "National Treasure", consists of a collection of teams following clues ostensibly based in historical fact. The sites of the competition provide an entertaining backdrop to the competition, much like "The Amazing Race", but even the addition of a slight bit of historical fact makes the show that much more interesting to watch. What makes the show really watchable though, is the makeup of the teams involved. Some represent organizations, such as the Air Force team, or the ex-CIA team, and others are more loosely organized, such as the "Southie Boy's" or the "Young Geniuses". The two most entertaining teams of all are the "Miss USA" team and the truly hysterical "Wild Hanlons", a family from Texas who isn't afraid to let you know it. I've seldom seen a group so quotable, or so challenged. For me, they make the show, with quotes such as, "We were arguin. We went and got somethin' to eat. It was my decision, and I think it was a damn good one.", or, "Let me see the decipherin' stuff again". The day they're eliminated from the show will be a sad one for entertainment. In the meantime, check it out their team bio and "Treasure Hunters", Monday nights on NBC.