TV Review: In Search of . . .

On Friday, In Search of . . . returned to television on the History Channel. From 1977-82 Leonard NImoy hosted the classic series that explored supernatural mysteries. Reruns of the show were once staples of A&E. Mitch Pileggi hosted a revivial in 2003. Now the current Mr. Spock, Zachary Quinto, is hosting another reboot on the History Channel.

The first episode stayed with a staple of In Search of . . . - alien visitations. As someone who's consumed their share of 1970s and 1980s pop culture, UFOs were an obsession in those decades, somewhat less so today. Quinto visited with a man who claimed he was abducted and another who said he was exposed to alien chemistry. To understand their stories Quinto tried to simulate an abduction experience by being levitated in the air on cables while experiencing sensory deprivation. In the best segment Quinto paid a visit to SETI headquarters (Search for Extra-Intelligence Life Institute), a government funded group of scientists who seek out alien signals with radio telescopes.

Zachary Quinto did a great job as host, bringing the right mix of skepticism and open mindedness. Unlike Nimoy, Quinto takes a more hands on approach to the subject matter. Nimoy never condescended to this audience and took each topic seriously. Critics of the show could easily claim it legitimized pseudo-science, but on the other subjects like extended life spans and historical mysteries - do spur the imagination. In a time when some pride themselves on questioning science, a show that explores mysteries with a scientific approach is a positive. Creativity is essential to science. 

In Search of . . . airs Friday nights at 9 on the History Channel.