Mythergency!

I’m surprised I didn’t notice this sooner. Mythbusters is actually a geek version of the beloved 1970s television drama, Emergency! It doesn’t take a lot of digging to see some amazing parallels.

I was stunned when this correspondence was revealed to me. It made me think: was I following Mythbusters because it is an entertaining science-ish show, or am I following because it hearkens back to more youthful days when we followed the exploits of Squad 51 as they rescued people, and the doctors and nurses of Rampart General Hospital as they tried to save those lives?

Each episode contains several stories. Sometimes these stories intertwine, sometimes they are separate. One of the cast is often put in harm’s way. There is usually at least one explosion an episode. Problems are solved by thinking of a reasonable solution given the current conditions. One of the leads is a bit of a wise-ass while the other is quiet and steady. You have a supporting cast that features a bit of a goof, a go-with-the-flow strong woman, and talented yet thoughtful wonk.

I know! It’s spooky.

Adam Savage/John Gage and Jamie Hyneman/Roy Desoto: This was almost too easy. You have the more impulsive upstart paired with the unflappable voice of experience. Regardless of their differences, and regardless of how they exasperate each other, they also know that without question the other has their back.

Kari Byron/Dixie McCall: While it’s easy to just make this pairing because of gender, the fact is that they handle being in the middle of the boys very well. Enthusiastic about the job they get to do, and important contributors, these women are also the nexus that helps maintain the group dynamic. While they aren’t shy about getting “down and dirty”, they are nobody’s fool.

I think Kari’s eyelashes are shorter, though.

Grant Imahara/Joe Early: When dealing with a constant stream of problems, you need a go-to person. Someone who can see the problem and almost magically know the solution–whether it’s a medical treatment or a custom robot.

Tory Belleci/Chet Kelly: The requisite comic relief who is also good at their job. You somehow know that if there is a hair-brain scheme involved, they will be in the mix.