I think it was about 10 AM this Labor Day morning when I joined my parent's for breakfast, and decided to take control of the kitchen TV. I stumbled across the start of a No Reservations episode set in Laos, which I had visited on my RTW trip last year. After breakfast, and that episode, I realized it was a marathon day of Anthony Bourdain leading up to the season premiere tonight.
But first, this rock guy named Johnny Colt blasts onto the TV screen at 9 PM (EST) in the series premiere of At Full Volume. The guy is covered in tattoos and the intro tells of his rock star life in bands such as the Black Crowes. He was well spoken, and I took an immediate liking to him. Yes, I was hooked after the first few minutes. It appeared like this show was a derivative of No Reservations - just amplifying the rock star approach to travel.
The first episode was shot in Thailand, the first segment following Johnny and some Thai rock climbing instructors in Krabi. Of course some of the funny footage was Johnny simply trying to get up the rope ladder hanging off the rock, let alone him trying to scale the sharp limestone rock face.
Next, handling poisonous snakes, followed by a segment about the construction of a Thai musical instrument, and then Johnny exposing the spiritual side of tattooing by getting the back of his head inked at a Buddhist monastery.
And for the finale, Muay Thai training and fighting which Johnny says he has practiced as well. But after seeing the Thai fighters in action first hand, we all knew he was going to get a whooping. Just when I thought the way the fight was being edited in a way that made it seem scarier than it was, Johnny tries to block a kick to the head and ends up with a broken hand! Very rock star to be breaking bones on a pilot episode.
Clearly, the first show is congruent with this rock star's approach to life, which I appreciate. And if I can't be traveling myself, then watching Johnny kick ass across the globe will suit me fine (for now). Check out Johnny Colt's blog for more.
Did you catch the show? Leave a comment and let me know what you thought.
