We’ve been watching the CBS Wednesday night “reality” show called Hunted.  The premise is that a group of willing volunteers, known as “fugitives”, goes on the run for 28 days while a group of retired and ex intelligence professionals, known as the “hunters”, pursue them. If any of the nine couples reaches day 28, they will be awarded $250,000.

This show is a wizardry of editing, keeping the viewer constantly questioning–What day are they on? Why would they do that? How stupid are they?

The opening voice-over tells us, “Virtually everything we do in our daily lives leaves a digital trail.” It’s this trail the hunters hope to track.
And it’s kind of creepy the things they have access to.

Easy answer? GO OFF GRID.
Don’t call your friend. Don’t call your co-worker. Don’t call your mother.
Don’t email people. Don’t send letters. Don’t Facebook.
DUH.
Don’t rent a car. Don’t borrow a car. Don’t buy a bus ticket.
And for goodness’ sake, don’t celebrate making it to day 14 with Taco Bell.
There are cameras everywhere. And willing witnesses, too.

Does “off grid” even exist anymore?

It’s an interesting premise, based on a successful British version, but it’s only okay. It can’t be better due to the inherent nature of television. “Hi, can my husband and I (and our camera man) borrow your phone?” “Is it okay if my friend and I (and our camera man) sleep on your floor?” And the liberties they take with editing are generous.

In this contemporary world of immediate gratification and constant digital connection, 28 days would be a very long time. When you’re used to texting your friends, calling your spouse, and Skypeing with your grandkids whenever you want, twenty eight days is a very…long…time…

Could you do it?
These 9 teams thought they could. The season’s not over yet, but I’m guessing they were wrong.

It might be interesting to see subsequent series. Survivor contestants surely grew and played better based on previous player experiences.

How boring would it be for 9 teams to make it 28 days, though? Hardly television worthy.