Highway Thru Hell

I stumbled onto this show quite by accident on the 'net a couple of weeks ago, as I don't have Discovery Canada in my cable TV lineup. As a Western Canadian who's driven the Coq countless times -- but never in winter -- I've been fascinated to see what a zoo it becomes when the snow flies, particularly for the semi drivers who must push through with their loads year-round in every kind of weather. Jamie and his crew are a pretty likable bunch who put up with demanding working conditions themselves, and unlike the similarly situated Ice Road Truckers series (another of my faves) there are no grindingly obnoxious characters to irritate. Just real guys doing real, honest, hard work and not being unnecessarily bitchy about it. Of course, their biga$$ trucks are fun to watch in their own right! I've just heard that the show has been picked up for a second season and am well pleased to hear it. Despite the show's very simple premise and lack of any serious twists and turns, it never seems to get boring or stale. This is just plain good entertainment for any fan of big vehicles and big men doing big jobs in the big outdoors.