Dhani Jones Tackles The Globe: I Likey....

 

Tonight NFL football player Dhani Jones debuted his new show on the Travel channel, “Dhani Tackles the Globe.” NFL player and renaissance man travels the globe exploring sports. How much better of an angle can you get than that? After seeing the television ads, the facebook page and all the ads around town, I was READY to check this unique show out.

Also when was the last time an African American hosted a show on the travel channel? Al Roker had a show called “Going Places” but it wasn’t on the Travel Channel. Local PBS channel WTTW airs a show called “Grannies on Safari,” which features two mature African-American women traveling around the world.  Music critic Nelson George does his thing with “Soul Cities” on VH1. It was about time that the Travel Channel added some color to its line up.

I learned through Dhani that sports—just like food—is also an entry point into culture. In this first episode Dhani tries out Muay Thai boxing, the popular martial art/boxing in Thailand. He trains with a local boxing gym for one week before taking on a portly Thai Muay Thai boxer. During this time, he bonds with his Thai comrades, who cheer him on during his final fight.

While the sports was exciting (especially for me as an Olympic sport junkie), it was the physical stature of Dhani that stole the show. I just KNOW a producer said to the camera guy, “don’t you come back to the states without some half naked Dhani shots. I wants chest, arms, legs and behind…everything.”  Yes Dhani spent much of this first episode half naked. For a person like me, who loves traveling and learning about other cultures, it was distracting. While Dhani was going through his prefight rituals, I was entranced by his… well I’m not going to get into details here. Also, I’m really not sure if I learned enough about Thai culture, food and people through this hour long episode (I just know they eat lots of bugs). But if that's what I wanted to do, I probably shouldn't have invited my girlfriend over for wine and girltalk during the show.

I use the Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations show as the ultimate barometer for any travel show. Was the Dhani show as good? Almost. Both shows veer toward a more reality show feel (but you KNOW it’s still scripted).  Bourdain beats Dhani in the personality bucket; Dhani (and the show’s writers) are still trying to find the perfect voice and cadence for his storytelling. Dhani beats Bourdain in the eye candy category. I’m sorry Anthony, but don’t even try to take your shirt off. As for the topic, food vs. sports, both are incredibly interesting.

Will I be watching next week? Heck yeah!

Comments

[MakNew]

here, here! in fact, i'll be watching it with you next week ;)

[Black Travel]

"Dhani beats Bourdain in the eye candy department..."

Hehehe. If he can manage to take his shirt off in every episode, the ratings are going to be sky high this season. (smile)