by Kari Nichols

Created on: August 21, 2009

Deadliest Catch is unquestionably appealing across a broad spectrum of viewers. But why? All the elements have been duplicated to some extent in the clone programs like 'Tuna Wars', 'Lobstermen' and even 'Ice Road Truckers', but have fallen short of the devoted following of Deadliest Catch.

But there's more to it than just the basic 'man against the elements'; it's the ultimate reality show. No staging, bribing, no contrived plot twists. Just guys out there, doing a job and surviving the conditions, which bring out the best and the worst in them. Everyone who works for a living, especially at a job they have a love/hate relationship to, instantly relates to these crabbers.

1) These guys are real, from-the-gut, elemental human beings who take on their inhumanly grinding work with strength and tenacity. Not all succeed. But those who keep trying makes us hopeful; those who give up disgust us.

2) When fishing is good, they rejoice and the camaraderie is good, spirits are high, and it all feels worthwhile. We all celebrate with them on a job well done.

3) When the fishing is bad, they resort to sea lore, black magic, ancient customs, or anything else that will change their luck. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

4) When weather conditions are threatening, they plod ahead and break ice, brave the storms, and brace for weather conditions that are cringeworthy. Suddenly our commute doesn't look so bad.

5) They bicker like kids when they're tired or cranky. They get rude and lash out, like we'd all like to do on occasion.

6) When it's life or death on the line, everyone is dead serious and snaps into action. It reminds us of what's really important in life, and to take situations in priority; the rest will wait. When they pull an overboard deckhand from the frigid waters, or a vessel loses a crewman, the reaction is from the gut, real, and palpable. These unquestionably tough men, who put themselves through the hardest of work and their families through extended absences, weep. That's reality.

7) When personal tragedy strikes, fellow crew members are supportive and concerned. Sharing stressful conditions and trauma create a bond, both with the crewmen and with the family that waits at home and cares for them with the same intense devotion. They understand the value of teamwork and a supporting network, and the fragility of life.

8) When the work is done, it's time to play. Pranks are part of the landscape, to lighten the deadly serious conditions of their work. The clown around on occasion; they celebrate life!

They have all the basics: danger, excitement, hostility, endurance, camaraderie. The vicarious thrill we get watching them makes our jobs look easy and our lives uncomplicated.

sites of interest:
Discovery Channel: http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/dea dliestcatch.html
Discovery Channel Store: http://store.discovery.com/?v=discovery_shows_deadli est-catch
http://www.deadliestcatchtv.com/
Dutch Harbor Fishermen: http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/news/show/692 1

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