"Dead Sea Scrolls" Season 2 Episode 10

The episode "Dead Sea Scrolls" first aired on February 9, 1978 . The narration was written and produced by Robert Long.

I've read a bit about the Dead Sea Scrolls before watching this, but I went into my re-watch trying to not let the most recent information influence my watching. I like how Nimoy starts this episode by taking us back into the past. Who doesn't enjoy seeing Roman Legions in reenactment?

Nimoy makes reference to a Jewish sect known as the "Essenes" who have been associated with the scrolls, but he hasn't yet said anything about the scrolls which is a good production choice, I like the idea of setting the context. After the "In Search Of... "music he continues with the history lesson. He mixes video from modern Jerusalem with a description of what it would have been like centuries ago. He tells us, "Jerusalem is a city wearied by war" reminding us of the violence and conflict in the Middle East that continues to this day. He tells us how nearby Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Christ, was also known as a trading hub for Nomads. In 1947, we are told, a Nomad four this way to a small shop planning to sell a "rotting parchment" he had found in the desert. Nimoy describes kind of an oasis in the desert where water has flowed "for as long as history has been recorded". Nimoy tells us about "Ein Feshkha" and how during the Six Day War, Israel pushed Jordan from the area and was currently in possession of the area. Nimoy tells us about Israel's intentions in the Six Day War and how this has resulted in a harsh life along the West Bank.

He next tells us of a place known as Masada, today reachable by cable car, but in ancient times only accessible by a perilous climb. More history from Nimoy as he talks about the Zealots and how the city where they lived was fortified. More video of Roman Legions! Nimoy explains how the Romans conquered the area. After three years of fighting, Nimoy tells us the Zealots new the end was near. Here is where things get interesting!

Apparently the drew lots to chose a man to oversee their own deaths rather than surrender. They had heard about Qumran, a settlement of Jews who had been defeated by the Romans earlier. We learn how the Jews there innovated a series of canals to bring water to their settlement. He also describes their government style and how they used what he describes as "ritual cleansing". While talking about this we see video from the modern ruins of Qumran. He explains how they conducted their lives and kept records of their beliefs, their government, and their society on scrolls which were stored in clay jars.

According to the Roman historian Josephus, there was a terrible earthquake in 31 BC. Perhaps the community scattered to the hills as a result of this earthquake? There is evidence today of new construction at the settlement following the earthquake.

Next, Nimoy talks about the Bedouin and how they lived a nomadic lifestyle for centuries. Back to the Nomad in 1947 now. We learn his name was Muhammed edh-Dhib. He was chasing a stray goat and was unable to read or write when he went into a cave and found the clay pots with the scrolls in them that would become known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Our first guest of the episode! Professor John C. Trever (who sadly passed away in 2006) tells us how he was a Fellow at the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem when he became the first scholar to see the scrolls in 1947. He would go on to publish two books on the subject (one before the airing of this episode and one after) and teach at several Colleges in the US. You can hear the excitement in his voice as he explains what happened. The Bedouin agent was trying to figure out their worth, only to discover they were worth much more than they thought. Isn't this the way most valuable treasures are discovered?

Trever's take-away is the notion that the scrolls were about a thousand years older than the previously known Biblical manuscripts. Jordanian authorities stepped in to help secure the location under the notion that there would be more scrolls in the cave. Nimoy tells us that as word moved faster than the Jordanian police, the Bedouins in the area likely picked the caves clean before they could be secured. Eventually, scroll fragments were purchased from the Bedouin. It's implied that there may have been other scrolls recovered not yet known to scholars.

Nimoy explains the importance of the scrolls to us. "Basically the scrolls provide a two thousand year old verification of the accuracy of the Old Testament as known to modern men. The uniformity of the versions was astonishing." Nimoy tells us of another discovery made in Qumran in 1952 that amounts to an accoutering of buried treasure. Nimoy asks, "Could this be the lost treasure of Jerusalem lost in the Roman attack of 70AD?" Whoa... I had to look this one up. A few minutes down this rabbit hole revealed a documentary made in 1972 for the BBC by a British man named Henry Lincoln, who by seem accounts, inspired Dan Brown's character of Robert Langdon in the Da Vinci Code Books. Apparently Mr. Lincoln based his assertions on some found documents that were much later shown to be forgeries. Thus discrediting the notion of a lost treasure of Jerusalem. This would have happened years after this episode aired so we can forgive Nimoy for mentioning it.

After this brief interlude he talks more about the Biblical significance of the region almost as if he is telling us there could be more hidden in the area that would verify Biblical manuscripts or even reveal never before recorded stories form the era. He tells us we know the sect there believe they were living in the final days before "judgment day" anticipating the "apocalypse".


According to Nimoy, "The written contributions of Qumran live on today in Jerusalem's Shrine of the Book. Qumran's spirit is alive too. Many of today's Jews are following the traditions established there so long ago."

Nimoy has us with remarks perhaps influenced by his own belief in Judaism?

"All who believe in faith are in some way indebted to the people who labored in the desert to preserve it. Qumran was destroyed and its inhabitants put to the sword. Perhaps, however, the ultimate victory that they prayed for was theirs after all?" An interesting statement from Nimoy. Is he implying that the collapse of the Roman Empire and persistence of Judaism today is evidence of this? Or is he implying something else?

Less than 2 minutes left and we see Nimoy for the first time in this entire episode! I'm loving the White coat with the oversized collar here!

He makes reference to a map and tells us that the East Bank has been untouched and may have treasures to discover. He makes a vague allusion to the conflict on the West Bank and implies its this conflict that explains why more treasure there have not been discovered. But he says "maybe someday" when peace comes to the area.

Maybe its because I'm not all that religious, but I thought this episode was a bit boring. I'm a historian and I appreciate the intriguing aspects of history, but I jus thought these stories were not intriguing enough. I think it may be because Nimoy feels in 1977 that the tip o the iceberg has been seen and more important information is out there to be found, and yet, it has now been 40 years and no major discoveries have come from the Dead Sea Scrolls or anything else in the area. It just feels like the Dead Sea Scrolls may have once sparked mystery and curiosity, but not so much today. I prefer the episodes that feel like if the mystery is solved it could radically alter our perception fo the world and this episode didn't feel like that. I say "A" for effort, but feel free to skip it!

You can watch this episode "Dead Scrolls" below.

"Pyramid Secrets" Season 2 Episode 9

The episode "Pyramid Secrets" first aired on February 4, 1978 . The narration was written and produced by Robert Long.

I'm back! Just a little 5 year hiatus... but enough about me! As I watch this episode I realized that the music plays a role in taking me back to watching this in my youth. There is something mysterious about it (and yes definitely a 70's style score!) that signals a mystery. They really started the teaser off getting us to want for more by waiting a full minute into it before showing any pyramids!

Nimoy tells us, "Cairo is often called the intellectual Capitol of the world." I wondered if this was still true? A quick Google search seems to indicate that what Nimoy meant was that due to its history and the achievement of Ancient History it is known as the intellectual Capitol of the world. Implying this is due to its significance as a starting place, not a reflection of its current state. I'm reminded that one of the many things I love about this show is how Nimoy is always asking questions. I am a teacher and I value the power of questions. When he asks about the Ancient Egyptians, "What must they have been like?" you can hear the genuine interest in his voice. He follows this with some basic facts about farming in the ancient world and a genuine admiration for what they were able to accomplish. Its intriguing see how Nimoy vaguely refers to the substantial amount of food and resources they would have needed to build the pyramids, but avoids specific details. In the end he finishes without getting into those details and revealing how impossible the task may seem. Instead he simply says they did all of this and it was incredible, "unless there was another way". In a foreshadowing of the Ancient Aliens series, Nimoy is leaving the door open for the like of Erich Von Daniken whose book "Chariots of the Gods?" was published in 1968 and likely known to Nimoy. But rather than explore this, he moves on by discussing similar pyramids in the Yucatan peninsula.

Rather than indulge the speculative, Nimoy turns to science by digging into what set the Egyptian pyramids apart, that is their ability to create "true pyramids". He tells us the tale of the first known pyramid commissioned by "Zoser" (also known as Djoser). It appears to Nimoy, and is plausible to us, that they were experimenting with design in the construction of different pyramids, seeming to perfect their work each time they built one. In an almost incomprehensible statement Nimoy almost dismissively tells us the experiments lasted about 1000 years with 80 pyramids surviving.

"The Glory days of the pyramid age came around 2500 BC when the Pharaoh Cheops ordered a pyramid built at Giza. The angles were steep and the scale gargantuan." My favorite part of this episode is the hands-on demonstration that follows. Nimoy, clad in an all-white 70's style jump suit with sleeves rolled up handles a pyramid model to explain what is known about its construction.

Again a question, "How many years of labor must it have taken to move those blocks?" We learn that the Ancient Greek Historian Herodotus was told it was built in 30 years by a rotating group of workers numbering in excess of 120,000 men. Nimoy takes a few minutes to discuss the other impressive accomplishments of the Ancient Egyptians. He makes the point clear, what they created was so unusual and impressive that if all we had to judge them were these pyramids and related monuments we wold have to assume "they were a race of giants". More questions from Nimoy about the mysteries of the Sphinx and the pyramids. He takes a few moments to tell a tale of a treasure hunter who broke into the Great Pyramid and found nothing. More hands-on from Nimoy follows with a look inside the Great Pyramid. He explains the chambers and hooks our interest by explaining that deep inside is the King's Chamber and "one of the most perplexing mysteries of all".

Nimoy explains other mysteries about the construction of the pyramid and some theories that might explain their purpose. He concludes that the Egyptians must have had an advance knowledge of Astronomy due to how perfectly attuned they are to the stars. Nimoy now goes down the road of "pyramid power" by focusing on the pyramid shape. He tells us that some people believe pyramids in general have unusual power. Nimoy explains how some have claimed pyramids have thought be able to provide miracles, everything from "enhancing sexual potency to mummifying meat and sharpening razor blades". From here he spends some time admiring and reflecting on the "ways of the Ancients" and how little is still known about them. Nimoy transitions to the use of pyramids as tombs and resting places for mummies. He explains the process they used to mummify and how scientists today are studying mummies "not to bring them to life of course" but to learn from them. I'm honestly not sure if he was joking with that line or being serious?

He talks about what the Egyptians believed about the voyage into the afterlife and how it may correspond to the construction of pyramids. Finally we hear the famous story of Howard Carter who was the first to open King Tutankhamen's tomb. But since this is a mystery show, you know Nimoy also has to delve into the supposed curse and how it effected Carter's excavation. For shock value, Nimoy explains how living workers sealed the tomb from the inside, implying the workers died inside, but he quickly reveals a hidden and crude passageway likely explains how they got out.

The episode is almost over before we meet our first guest. Stanford University's Lambert Dolphin.

Dr. Dolphin appears to be living happily in retirement now (http://www.ldolphin.org/LTDres.html). We learn from Nimoy that back in 1978 he is studying the pyramid and Nimoy gives him the floor to share what he has learned. Much of what he says is geologic information. What's interesting is he quickly dismisses the possibility of Alien construction and the concept of pyramid power, using evidence from his study of the pyramid. "I don't believe the Egyptians needed some sort of esoteric out of space technology to do what they did. What they did was impressive." We learn that Dr. Dolphin is pioneering a new technology for looking inside pyramids with sound waves. Though they have learned much, Dr. Dolphin explains there are still unknowns, revealing a hidden chamber yet to be explored. This is followed by cool music signaling to us that the nugget just revealed is a big one!

Nimoy begins his concluding comments by reflecting on how a tour of the Treasures of King Tutankhamen in the US has been very popular, likely because the mystery is so popular. He speculates that maybe people are growing dissatisfied with the modern world and turning to the ancients as a result. He allows Dr. Dolphin to talk about the mysteries of the ancients and why we should care. And now time for the payoff, the "so what?". Nimoy says, "Their monuments may one day lead us to rediscover the greater wonder that is the mind of man." Hmmmm, prior to this statement when in this episode was the human mind mentioned? It feels like a bit of a leap to me, but I guess he is saying the Egyptians couldn't have built the pyramids unless they possessed some sort of knowledge that we don't understand? Interesting!

I thought this episode was better than the last few. It feels a little like a precursor to the Ancient Aliens series except Nimoy didn't have the guts to come out and say what he was implying. I guess maybe in the 70's the thought was not enough of the audience was ready for such bold assertions, or maybe they were more concerned about making assertions with solid evidence back then? I liked the mood and the explanations of the construction and why they were so mysterious. This is a solid episode for me to make a comeback! More new posts coming soon!

You can watch this episode "Pyramid Secrets" below.

"The Ogopogo Monster" Season 2 Episode 8

The episode "The Ogopogo Monster" first aired on January 28, 1978 . It was written by Nicholas Webster and written and produced by  Nicholas Webster and Dyann Rivkin.

With all of these episodes I try to not search on the internet for any information about the topic or te particular episode of the show I'm about to watch. I want to approach each episode with only whatever information I have in my head. So when I saw this title, I wasn't completely sure what it referred to. I think I remember hearing that there might be a lake monster much like the Loch Ness Monster in Florida, and this might be what the Ogopogo Monster is? Other than that, I have no information or preconceived notions. I never heard much about this Florida monster, so I don't even know how legitimate it is?

We start off with a harrowing scene reenacted on Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, CA. In July of 1977 Erin Neely was water skiing and took a spill. Apparently she was attached by a strange creature. Neely was rescued and lived to tell the tale.

Neely described the creature as being a huge serpent-like monster. As it turns out, there have been others who have witnessed a monster in this lake. I guess the Florida connection is out the window? (Note: I googled "Florida lake monster" after watching this episode and I discovered what I was thinking of was the "Okeechobee Monster")

For those few people who have never heard of the Loch Ness Monster, Nimoy takes a few moments to give a brief overview. Apparently both lakes have many similarities, including lying on the same line of latitude. Nimoy wonders how it is possible for a creature to exist in this lake unknown to science.

He points out how scientists discovered the coelacanth 40 years earlier. Not only was it thought to be long since extinct, but it turned out to be much larger than previously thought.

(Okanagan Lake)

 Nimoy tells us about the Okanagan people who lived in the area for centuries. They have their own legends about the lake and it includes stories of a large creature who lives in the lake. We are taken to a tribal ceremony around a fire and one of the members tells about the legends. He explains that it is a serpent and that no one would attempt to cross the lake without making an offering to the serpent. Bad things often happened to those who did not appease the hungry monster.

Next we are taken to the Kelowna Museum and introduced to its curator, Ursula Sertes. The museum features various artifacts from the history of the Okangan people. Sertes has studies the culture for many years. She describes the legend of the lake monster and explains that it was called "Ogopogo" by the Okanagan people. Nimoy talks to a local nature writer who tells about talking to local people and hearing this name "Ogopogo". She was surprised to find they believed in the creature and had many stories to tell that they claimed to be truthful about the sea snake. Next we meet a couple who witnessed the creature in the lake. Harry and Betty Stanes have spent a good deal of time on the lake. They tell a frightening story of an encounter with the monster. They describe the creature as being very large, and had fins on top. They were concerned it would tip the boat. Jeffrey Sherwin also tells a story of an encounter fishing on a boat and seeing two humps sticking out of the water. He watched it for a full three minutes. He believes it was Ogopogo. Ed Fletcher and his daughter Jill also report seeing the creature. All descriptions seem to indicate a very big snake-like creature. The Fletchers were the ones from the start of the episode who were driving their boat when Erin Neely had her encounter. Ed has pictures and this is the best one!

Nimoy claims this is not a wave and no other explanation exists for what it is. Maybe that's true, but it doesn't look like a sea serpent to me. Because of these photos, the "In Search Of... " camera team is going to explore below the lake's surface. Local divers are accompanying the camera team. We are cautioned that because the lake is so large, the chances of getting an image of something are slim. This feels like they don't end up seeing anything and want to make sure we understand it doesn't mean the monster doesn't exist. They decide to look in the area where Erin Neely reported her encounter. They find nothing, but decide to announce a meeting to hear about local encounters and advertise the meeting in the local press. They were amazed at the number of people who showed up.

They take a few minutes to let us hear some sighting stories from the locals. The people all seem believable and seem to have been spooked by what they saw. They also all seem to have seen a large snake-like creature. Its also clear to me these people are well aware of the Ogopogo legends. Sometimes you see what you want to see? Nimoy hints at this by pointing out how the shimmering on the lake can be deceptive at times. But not everyone in the area believes in Ogopogo! Someone tied together 3 tires and set them a float on the lake. No surprise, they looked like 3 humps of a sea serpent. For a moment, the camera team thought they were seeing the monster. I'm sure they were pretty upset when they saw it was a hoax!

Nimoy gives acknowledgement to the power of deception and illusion, but he claims there are too many unanswered questions to dismiss Ogopogo completely. Next we are taken to a scientist at an aquarium who is talking with Ed Fletcher about the features he saw on the creature. Nimoy compares some of these features to known sea animals like eels and fish. The camera team decides to try and dive again, but in a different location. Once again, the team comes up empty. They have held the best evidence of Ogopogo until near the end of the episode. We are shown what is known as the "Folden film". Grainy, blurry, and just typical 70's quality, the film is indeed the best evidence I've seen. However, its hard to really see what is happening in the film. It could be a large serpent, or it could be something else entirely different (like tires). Next we meet Dr. Willard Bascom who speculates on the kind of conditions necessary for a creature like that to develop. He is skeptical that an animal that large could exist in a lake like Okanagan.

"Whether the creature is something known or unknown, its difficult to ignore these pictures and the large number of sightings of a creature scientists cannot explain. What it is we still don't know. Perhaps someday a scientific expedition will tell us? In the meantime, the Folden film provides us with the most conclusive evidence that something very large lives in Lake Okanagan."

I'm not buying it one bit. There are legends and the people who see things are influenced by the stories. A grainy film in the 70's might have been creepy, but that stuff doesn't cut it anymore. Where are the modern images of this monster? Garbage I say! I didn't think this was particularly interesting. I wasn't insulted like I was with a few episodes, but this just felt tired and lazy. I hope they find a way to turn things around!


You can watch this episode "The Ogopogo Monster" below.

"Hurricanes" Season 2 Episode 7

The episode "Hurricanes" first aired on January 26, 1978 . It was written and produced by Alex Pomasanoff.

Hurricanes? Really? What is there to search for with hurricanes? I don't understand the direction this show is taking in season two, and I certainly don't remember seeing some of these episodes. I can see why they didn't make it into syndication.

Nimoy shows us some satellite footage of a hurricane from space and tells us they are the most violent and frightening of all of nature's storms. This is followed by archival footage of hurricanes and their impact. Nimoy explains how the Natives of the Carribbean worshipped a powerful sky God known as Huracan. This is where the name Hurricane comes from. Nimoy takes us to August 4, 1969 and shows us footage of turbulence spotted by an orbiting satellite. He explains how the warm sea created the hurricane that became known as Camille. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States.

We are next taken into the seat with meteorologists attempting to fly in the hurricane's eye and study it. He talks about how they take measurements and gather data. Yawn!

Nimoy emphasizes the unpredictability of hurricanes and how wide warnings went before Camille hit. We hear about evacuation procedures and the preparation for the hurricane. Clearly we are seeing a play by play of the devastation of Hurricane Camille. Nimoy makes the point that those who waited to escape, pay the price. Wind velocity hit 200 mph and so devastation was rampant.

I've learned much about hurricanes over the years and this episode is boring me to tears. Im not even sure I can finish watching.

Miraculously, we are told, some survive the hurricane. The coast is in shambles, but the storm eventually comes to an end. 200,000 are homeless and 250 dead. We get to see some footage from survivors talking about the destruction of the hurricane.

This is followed by interviews with several others who discuss what they lost and how bad it was. Surely tragic, but I don't see the connection to this show. Nimoy tells us Camille was the worst to hist the US, obviously this is before Hurricane Andrew or Hurricane Katrina. Maybe this is why I just don't find it interesting?

Next we hear about a devastating but smaller Hurricane that hit Florida in 1965. Once again, tragedy. I just don't find it compelling as "In Search Of... " something mysterious. Nimoy talks about new technology that us being used and how we have learned more about hurricanes in recent years.

Some discussion of weathermen in Miami who keep an eye on places likely to develop into hurricanes as an early warning system.

I'm slogging through this episode, its just not interesting. We are introduced to Dr. Neil Frank who is in charge of Hurricane research. He talks about how much we have learned in recent years.

Nimoy talks about the danger of living in Miami in terms of hurricane threat. Frank is right on when he says in 1978 that Florida is due to get hit. He tells us the last big one to hit Miami was in 1926. Well since this program aired, 4 hurricanes hit Miami including the famous Hurricane Andrew.

Nimoy spends some time discussing how a big hurricane could devastate Miami.

You can watch this episode "Hurricanes" below. In light of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, its a little disconcerting to hear Dr. Frank explain how people living on the coast have not learned their lessons and are doomed as a result.

"Today we still know very little about how hurricanes begin and exactly what forces determine their paths. For now, at least, threatened by their fury we should heed the warnings of the past."

This was a bad episode. It was dated, uninteresting, and added no new information to the understanding of hurricanes. I mean what was the point of this episode? It really was a waste of time.

If you really think you want to try and watch it, you can watch "Hurricanes" below. Trust me, you're better off avoiding it!

"Michael Rockefeller" Season 2 Episode 6

The episode "Michael Rockefeller" first aired on January 21, 1978 . The narration was written and produced by Alex Pomasanoff.

I come into this episode looking forward to it as I know absolutely nothing about Michael Rockefeller! I even resisted the urge to Google his name when I saw the upcoming episode title.

We begin with some footage of the Asmat people of New Guinea. These mysterious people drew the attention of Michael Rockefeller who was the son of New York Governor and recent (at the time of airing in 1978) Vice President of the United States, Nelson Rockefeller.

Queue the stock footage of primitive people dancing and singing. Nimoy implies their lives are filled with violence and superstition. We learn that Michael Rockefeller was intrigued by these people and traveled to New Guinea to study them in 1961.

Nimoy gives us some background on Michael. He graduated from Harvard with Honors. We are told he loved traveled and people. Just six months after graduation he signed on to an archaeological expediton to New Guinea to study a tribe known as the "Dani".

Nimoy explains that for 6 months Rockefeller enjoyed his work and learning about the Dani. He served as photographer documenting their research visually. When this work ended, he was drawn to another part of New Guinea even less well known and a people known as the Asmat. These people lived as they had for centuries with "Stone Age" technology and little contact from others.

Rockefeller kept a journal and wrote about how the Asmat region fascinated him. He was intrigued by the simple way of life that had remained unchanged for centuries. Michael carefully documented Asmat life and they include a few of his shots like this one.

Its clear that he admired and respected the people from these photos. Asmat culture depends almost completely on trees for everything, and believe they are descended from trees. They believe that spirits reside in trees. We see some footage of the Asmat harvest a mangrove tree and how they rub mud on it to cleanse of evil spirits. This is followed by intricate carving. Some time is spent telling about the Asmat culture and how the carving plays a role in their beliefs. We hear more from Rockefeller's journal and how deeply interested he was in these carvings. He actually began collecting some for himself. For weeks Rockefeller traveled in the region often with missionaries or other anthropologists. Over time, he amassed many carvings and dreamed of an exhibit of the art.

Rockefeller and Dutch anthropologist Rene Wassing were together on a trip to get carvings that Rockefeller had already bartered for. He had been warned of dangerous currents that arrive suddenly. Apparently his boat capsized and the natives swam for help while he and Wassing clung all night to the boat. Fearing the Natives weren't coming back, Rockefeller swam for help himself. The Natives made it to a village and the Dutch Government launched a rescue mission. Nimoy makes the point that the area was littered with dangerous animals. Miraculously, they found Wassing and the capsized boat after a day of searching.

Wassing explained how Rockefeller had swam to shore. Now the search intensified for him. It took three days for news to reach Governor Rockefeller. The Governor traveled to New Guinea, and the news was not good. They could find no sign of Michael Rockefeller. After several days, one of the gasoline cans Rockefeller had used to help him float was found. It offered a faint glimmer of hope. The largest manhunt in the history of New Guinea was on. It took two months for the search to conclude. The Governor returned home heartbroken by the idea that Michael was most likely dead.

Within weeks rumors grew that perhaps Michael was still alive in the jungle. Seven years after his disappearance a man named Milt Machlin launched an investigation into the disappearance.

He was a writer and magazine editor. He claimed he was visited by a secretive man named "Donohue" in 1968. He told Machlin he had seen and talked with Michael Rockefeller on a tiny island in New Guinea. Machlin followed Donahue's information. According to Donahue, Rockefeller had been picked up b y a war party and taken over 1,000 miles to the Trobriand Islands. Apparently Machlin himself became intrigued and interested in the Natives of New Guinea. He spoke with a local Chief who gave him direction to the island where supposedly Rockefeller had been seen. It was a long journey, but Machlin eventually found the island which he described as "paradise". But the island was eerie, not many signs of any life. Machlin spotted a make shift shelter on the island that had been abandoned. Machlin was discouraged and gave up his search. The fate of Rockefeller was still a mystery, but was this Donahue figure lying? Machlin traced down endless leads over two months. He finally met a Dutch missionary who claimed that he heard Rockefeller had been captured and killed by Natives. Father Cornelius Van Kessel mentioned a War Chief of the Asmat called Ajam. The current Chief of the Asmat was interviewed by "In Search Of... " as he remembered Rockefeller.

He talked about the search, and how so many helicopters and white people frightened them. He also mentioned how rival villages had blamed his death on the Asmat. He says if his people had killed him, he would know. He claims they did not kill him. The cameras then show us how the Asmat still live a primitive lifestyle. They show us how violence and superstition still persist. I think Nimoy is trying to imply that it is plausible that they may have killed Rockefeller. This discussed with a background of footage of dancing and singing. Nimoy quotes admiration for the Asmat people from Rockefeller's journal. This is followed by footage from Nelson Rockefeller at a press conference talking about his son and his life.

"Before Michael Rockefeller traveled to New Guinea he spoke of doing something romantic and adventurous at a time when frontiers, in a real sense of the word, were disappearing. Today his tragic loss is underscored by the accelerating demise of the Asmat people and their culture."

I like this episode a lot. It wasn't really creepy, but since I knew nothing about it I found it very interesting. I'm not sure what to make of this Milt Machlin or this guy  "Donahue", but I was very interested in Rockefeller and sad that he disappeared. I decided to do a little outside research after watching. According to the book Rocky Goes West by Paul Toohey, Rockefeller's mother hired a private investigator to go back to New Guinea. Supposedly he found the skulls of the only three white men ever killed by the tribe and brought them back to show the family. If it was proven one was Rockefeller or not, the family has never commented. There was another book just published in 2014, Savage Harvest: A Tale of Cannibals, Colonialism, and Michael Rockefeller's Tragic Quest for Primitive Art by Carl Hoffman. According to Hoffman, he talked with Asmat people who say Rockefeller was killed in retaliation for an incident in 1958 in which Asmat men were killed in a confrontation with Dutch travelers. As unsatisfying as this is, it may prove to be the final word on Michael Rockefeller. Good episode on an interesting topic!



You can watch this episode "Michael Rockefeller" below.

"Astrology" Season 2 Episode 5

The episode "Astrology" first aired on January 12, 1978 . It was written and produced by Peter Rosten.

This is going to be a tough one. I come into this episode with a definite bias against astrology. I give no credibility whatsoever to when someone was born, or the alignments of planets and stars and these effects on human behavior. The moon's gravitational pull may have a bit of an impact on liquid in the brain, but that's as far as I go. So I will be interested to see what they do and if they can convince me to have a more open mind on this topic.

The episode starts on a positive note for me as Nimoy gives information about the increase in crime, fires, freak accidents, and reports of mental illness during periods when the moon is full. But I suspect he is trying to bring us into the more unusual theories slowly.

But Nimoy is not going slowly, he hits us with a strange young woman who babbles on in a way that causes me to laugh out loud.

"I'm an Aries, I have a Libra rising, my Venus is in Pisces, my moon is in cancer. Uh, I know an awful lot about it because every man that I like I be sure and check out what his sign is first before I get, you know, too involved." This is exactly the stereotype I am biased against! We hear from a few other folks who are obsessed with their horoscopes and what everyone's sign is. Nimoy reveals he is an Aries with Scorpio rising. He makes the point that most do know their sign, and that's as far as it goes.

Nimoy defines Astrology for us as the forecasting of events on Earth based on the movements of the stars, planets, and other objects in space. He gets into some history and explains that its likely Astrology started with early humans who noticed their fortunes with hunting and growing crops were different depending on the alignment of objects in the night sky. We learn that the formal study of Astrology began in Mesopotamia at least 3000 years before Christ. From there it spread and influenced the creation of the calendar based on 12 units. The Ancient Egyptians incorporated their observations of the night sky into the construction of the pyramids.

Nimoy points out that at one time, astronomers and astrologers were one in the same. We learn about the work of Ptolemy and how his work dominated the study for many years. Nimoy goes on to explain that the Meji were astrologers and started them on their journey to witness the birth of Christ. After the death of Christ, many Christians condemned astrology as Pagan. They are definitely spending some time here implying a legitimacy to astrology that has been lost over time, perhaps, without good reason. We are introduced to Dr. George O. Abell an astronomer from UCLA. Abell disputes the legitimacy of astrology and implies that they are absolutely crazy!

He does focus on the more ludicrous claims of astrology to ridicule all of astrology. He ends by claiming that the Nazis believed in astrology. Nimoy tells us about how Hitler, Goebbels and others relied on astrology to guide their strategy. When the war went badly, many of these astrologers were sent to concentration camps. We hear about Hitler's personal astrologer, Karl Krafft, who died on his way to Buchenwald. Louis de Wohl was another astrologer who escaped form the Nazis and worked for Britain as the war came to an end. He served Britain's strategists for the remainder of the war, and predicted dozens of strategies employed by Germany. He also saw danger signs ahead for FDR a few months before he died. Seems like he got a little lucky.

Nimoy goes on to claim that many astrologers have made predictions that have come true over the years. Apparently someone whose sign is Aquarius is unpredictable and prone to surprises. We are told if you are with an Aquarius, you don't know what will happen next! Then we meet a Cancer, and are told that they tend to be emotional and extremely loyal. Next a Leo, who are the "showmen". they are extroverts. Apparently the most feared sign is Scorpio. They are envious, tense, and passionate. We hear about Dr. Hans Eyesink from London University who attempted to disprove astrology by proving that these personality traits are false. He used a computer and questionnaires to analyze data. Much to his astonishment, he wasn't able to disprove it. He also found a correlation between extroversion and one's sign.

Dr. Eyesink explains his process and how surprising it was to him. Nimoy points out how astrology has commercial applications such as predicting stock market trends. He also mentions examples of some folks who have used astrology to predict weather patterns, much like the Farmer's Almanac. More information about how astrology effects short wave radio signals and other electrical signals on the Earth. All of this was used to make long term predictions about weather. More information about the full moon- more babies are born during a full moon, and surgeries are more likely to go bad during a full moon. An ambulance driver is interviewed and he explains how he noticed an increase in unusual cases during a full moon.


Nimoy refers to this phenomenon as "lunacy" and points out the connection to "lunar" in reference to the moon. Apparently the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter has occurred every 20 years since 1840. Nimoy points out the Presidents who were elected when this happened ending up dying in office. The most recent being John Kennedy. What he doesn't know is that the next time it happens, Reagan is elected, and though he was shot he did not die in office. Neither did Bush who was elected in 2000. So much for this theory. But he can't let of this quickly. He tells us of astrologers who attempted to warn President Kennedy that his life was in danger. He cites one somewhat vague warning published in October of 1963.

"I had a brief telephone conversation with Sidney Omar and I took some notes on what he told me. He asked me my birthdate, and I told him it was March 26, 1931. He said, 'you've spent a year of searching and disillusionment' and said that 'you tend to become immersed in a mood.' That's probably true. He told me I have a powerful personality which tends to make people afraid of me although I'm actually quite vulnerable. That's flattering. Finally, he said, 'Think mentally of one question.' I thought, what's next? And he said, 'Let go, it's finished. You're riding a losing proposition. Take a cold plunge into the future. Let go of the security of the past.' Thank you very much Sidney, I'll keep it in mind. Time will tell." He doesn't seem convinced and neither am I! A perfectly vague statement that can be interpreted to relate to almost anyone.

Not a great episode, it was pretty boring. There is something to the science of the stars and planets impacting the way people think and weather patterns. Beyond that, I see no evidence and a lot of wishful thinking. I was not impressed and saw nothing to change my mind about astrology. Boo! I sure hope they find some better topics for future episodes!



You can watch this episode "Astrology" below.

"Mayan Mysteries" Season 2 Episode 4

The episode "Mayan Mysteries" first aired on January 7, 1978 . It was written and produced by Terry A. Landau.

This episode starts off with some interesting claims about the Mayans. According to Nimoy their teeth do not decay, their hearts beat only about 50 beats a minute and their skulls are unlike any other humans. Is this legitimate? I looked around the web and couldn't find anywhere else where these caims had been made.

Why did their civilization flourish and then disappear? I have been long intrigued by Mayan culture. I even got to see some Mayan ruins myself in 2012. Nimoy takes us to the Biblical story of Genesis and how that story tells of the creation of life on Earth.

In a weird 70's type of vibe we see a baby growing. Then we have a reenactment of early humans who lived simply. Nimoy points out how civilization developed slowly in most cases. He is setting us up to understand that the Mayans were different. These folks built elaborate ceremonial complexes much earlier than any other civilization. Scholar and Poet "Alurista" believes the Mayans were special.

Alurista claims the Mayans were studying astronomy, mathematics, and alchemy. Although he doesn't offer a lot of proof of this, he does show they knew what day of the week a day would fall on millions of years into the future. Nimoy tells us of Giles Healey who made an interesting discovery in 1947. Healey stumbled onto Bonampak, ancient Mayan murals that proved to be a gold mine of information. These amazing murals showed Mayan ceremonial life.

These murals tell of a grand processional and music as part of an elaborate ceremony. The murals show a raid, prisoners, and human sacrifice. The commanding figure is the priest who is preoccupied with studying the stars. They believed that history repeats itself, and so recording the past was key to understanding the future. They even knew about the wheel, but made no practical use of it.

They built elaborate roads that connected cities. One such road ends at Uxmal. Nimoy contends it can be seen as a colossal monument to the snake. Back to Alurista who gets very spiritual with us. He talks about how nothing moves in a straight line and related things. He says this is why they worshipped the snake. The snake God was named Kulkulkan and the Maya believed he was a white skinned and bearded deity. According to folklore, he was the one who provided the Mayans with advanced understandings of math and astronomy. At Chichen Itza, the Mayan priests read the future in the patterns of the stars as learned from Kulkulkan.

Kulkulkan built the temple at Chichen Itza with 364 steps and the top representing the 365th day of the year. Legend has it that Kulkulkan understood the power of the snake. He translated this power into the building of Chichen Itza. Twice a year, on the Fall and Spring Equinox, at 5pm the sunlight reveals a snake slithering down the side of the temple (This video shows the phenomenon at the 2:15 mark). According to legend, Kulkulkan disappeared. They also played the first known team sport in human history with permanent consequences. Winning was rare because of the difficulty of the task. If a team won, the spectators had to give up all possessions to the winners. The losers were put to death. So it was better to end in a draw. Apparently the priests all left the temples mysteriously and the game stopped being played in the same way.

When the Spanish arrived they were mystified by the amazing structures they found and wondered how the people they encountered had accomplished such feats. These conqusitadores were soon followed by missionaries who sought to convert the Mayans to Catholocism. Alurista tells us of how Mayan books and texts were destroyed by the Monks who came to convert the Mayans. The Monks believed the snake cult represented Satan. Much of the Mayan culture was lost with this destruction.

Nimoy tells us of scholar speculation that the Mayan may have been decimated by disease, or perhaps most left due to earthquakes in the area. We are told of the earthquake that hit Guatemala City in 1976 and was one of the worst disasters in the Western Hemisphere.

Nimoy spends some time exploring the possibility of crop failures or other natural disasters as possibly having led to the decline of the Mayan culture. Alurista even goes so far as to suggest that psychic energy played an important role in the Mayan culture, and their inability to continue to control with this energy may have led to their downfall. Alurista contends that the Mayans left the Yucatan peninsula and made their way to Egypt and into the Red Sea where they started another civilization. He even claims that when Christ was crucified, his last words were Mayan and meant, "At last, I sink in the dawn of your presence." This is truly a controversial claim and and he offers no proof.

Little remains of the Ancient Mayan culture and knowledge today. They started their calendar on August 12, 3113 BC and said their time on Earth would last 5,200 years. hey predicted that on December 21, 2012 a cataclysmic earthquake would destroy their civilization. New men of knowledge would then appear to fight the forces of evil.

"If the Mayan men of knowledge were right, in just 35 years we may learn the answers to some of the ancient Mayan mysteries."

Looks like they were wrong. Sure there was a bit of hype among "New Age" thinkers and people into the Ancient Mayans that the end of the world was coming in 2012, but nothing happened.

This was an ok episode. I have long known the Mayan were mysterious and I do find them interesting, but there wasn't much creepiness here. Maybe viewing this before 2012 might have provided a little more creepiness? Also, this Alurista guy seems like a nut to me and provided nothing but wild speculation. The superior knowledge of the Ancient Mayan is truly fascinating and I have to wonder what happened to them, but I don't find it creepy and I suspect they met their end the way many others have. So it was ok, just not the kind of topic I expect to find with this show.


You can watch this episode "Mayan Mysteries" below.