I finally caught an episode of the new Discovery Channel series Smash Lab last night.  As one would expect, I started to compare it to Mythbusters immediately, since it became obvious that Smash Lab was nothing more then a clone of Mythbusters with a “save the planet” spin. 

There are four main characters, as the show puts it, The Designer, The Engineer, The Scientist and The “Ideas Guy”.   A couple of the guys are dressed in Metro-Sexual clothing and have two days of scruff.  They are clearly trying to look way “cooler” then they actually are.  In addition, the fact that the show labeled the characters in such a way, reminded me of cartoon style naming conventions….anybody remember Mr. Brainy, Papa Smurf….or how about Sleepy, Happy, or Dopey? 

In comparison, you really can’t find a less-trying-to-be-cool group of people then on Mythbusters.  They are a bunch of geeks, who are cool because of who they are, not what they are called or what they look like.   Do you think you would find the Jamie Mustache on the cover of GQ?

During the episode, I found myself becoming irritated as Smash Lab walked through their scenarios.  Without going into too much detail, the show simply tried to create drama and competition where there was none.  They did things that seemed contrived, and as I watched in disgust, it was simply very difficult to believe the scenarios or danger that the show tried to create. 

If Mythbusters approached the same issue, It wouldn’t have been this silly back and forth contrived drama exercise.

If nothing more, lets compare the two girls from the respective shows: 

Kari Byron on Mythbusters  versus  Deanne Bell on Smash Lab:

Don’t get me wrong, Deanne Bell is a semi-sexy scientist that uses math to figure everything out.  She also gets really excited when things work.  On the other hand Kari may not be as educated as Deanne, but….well….just look at the pic.  You decide….

Will Smash Lab make it?  Maybe.  They do blow stuff up.  They do try to save the world and all…..

Will I watch it again?  No.  Mythbusters is way better, and there are better things on then Smash Lab.

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