New on
BBC Knowledge in December, 2008:
NEW SHOWS
Ancient Greek HeroesPremiere date: Monday 8 December 2008 at 21h30
The myth of Jason and the Argonauts and the story of the Odyssey are known to us all, but why have they survived?
Ancient Greek Heroes looks beneath the surface to try to discover why Greek mythology has fascinated and intrigued the human race for over 2,000 years.
The series tells the stories of Jason and Odysseus for the modern audience, using dramatisations and CGI to reveal modern themes.
Jason, at first, comes over as an action hero, but his journey is ultimately one of self-discovery, that of boy to man. Likewise Odysseus has to go through a number of trials and temptations to realise what in life is really important to him.
Jason’s journey echoes the many explorations of the Black Sea undertaken by the ancient Greeks, but on his quest for the Golden Fleece, Jason learns about responsibility, danger, sex, love and women.
Odysseus is also tempted by women, the promise of immortality, and eternal glory, but in the end the bond he has with his wife and child means he makes it home - albeit 10 years later than anticipated.
Gavin Stamp’s Orient ExpressOn: Friday 12 December 2008 at 21h30
A five-part travel series that traces the original route of the Orient Express, from London to Istanbul via Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest.
Not afraid to tell it how he sees it, Stamp's reflections on life, architecture and the people he meets are candid and opinionated.
In search of the architectural treasures of ‘Old Europe’, Stamp begins his trip in the lap of luxury on what remains of the Orient Express route. When he reaches Vienna, however, more modest forms of transport take over as he follows the original route across Eastern Europe and to the edge of Asia.
SPECIALS
Richard Hammond Meets Evel Knievel On: Friday 12 December at 22h30
In this one-off special Richard Hammond meets his childhood hero, the legendary American stuntman Evel Knievel, who dominated the 70's with his motorcycle jumps.
The film is a reminder of a simpler time, of the days before computer games and CGI special effects, when real human beings went out and performed feats to massive crowds and worldwide television audiences.
During his four days with Knievel, Hammond discovers the price to be paid for a life lived on the edge, and Evel is not an easy subject, his less than noble exit from the stunt world perhaps contributing to his distrust of the media.