Feasting on Asphalt

[hjsnapepm]

I've been on an on and off Feasting on Asphalt kick since my River Run book came in the mail a month ago, followed shortly by the DVDs, so when cookiesr1 asked me which season I liked better over in we_love_alton, I kind of went above and beyond a simple 'season one' or 'season two' answer. And, well, I liked getting most of my thoughts down about it, so I'm going to post my comment here, too. Mostly for myself, but if anyone wants to read it, well...

I liked the first more, but that could partially be because I saw it first. I fell absolutely in love with it, so the second season had a heck of a lot to live up to. And it was really good, too, just different.

I like watching the show evolve during the first season, how Alton and the gang are just flying by the seat of their pants, with no idea what's coming and yet somehow they're gonna have to turn it into a show. I don't know, I just got really into it. And in the commentary on the DVDs, you get to see (hear, technically) some more of the real Alton. Feasting, to me, is the real Alton, not the AB character on Good Eats, he of the fictional siblings and gadget experts and dungeon master slaves. Which I love, too, but Feasting really touched me. I wish I could tell him how much it means to me, but even if I met him I don't think I could.

The second season, while still spontaneous and such, felt a bit more intentional, if that makes any sense. They knew what they were doing, were more prepared for the journey, so it wasn't quite as unpredictable. My absolute favorite moment in season two was the nutria/porcupine debacle. Pure unexpected, unscripted hilarity and proof Alton doesn't mind making a fool of himself, just a bit. That he doesn't take himself too seriously, 'cause that could have easily been edited out. I still crack up every time I watch it. The River Run book, I think, makes up for some of the connection I don't feel to the second season. I can hear Alton's voice when I read it and it makes everything more real. So for anyone who has seen the second season, I recommend the book.

Well, that was a heck of a lot more in depth of an answer than I planned on giving... In short, season one is my favorite on it's own or with the bonus stuff. Season two is pretty darned great with both the show and the book combined.

Comments

[viewaskewgrrl47.livejournal.com]

I know an elementary school music teacher who looks and sounds like Alton Brown but a few years younger. He's totally single and swears he's straight although many doubt it.

[hjsnapepm.livejournal.com]

Really? Hehe, I, um... If I weren't pretty much socially inept, I might... um, yeah. :)

[2bangzoom.livejournal.com]

I've seen season 1...don't think I've seen season 2. I agree with you about the spontaneity of the River Run shows. I'd love to travel with Alton!

[hjsnapepm.livejournal.com]

Boy, I would give a lot for an opportunity to go on one of these trips.