Brainiac: Science Abuse 

The show that's takes a comedic look at the world of science and asks the really important questions as well as putting stuff in microwaves

Stars:

Jon Tickle, Joe Rowntree, Tom Pringle

Cast

Series cast summary:
Jon Tickle	...	Self 43 episodes, 2003-2008
Joe Rowntree	...	Brainiac Joe 38 episodes, 2003-2008
Tom Pringle	...	Dr. Bunhead / ... 41 episodes, 2003-2008
Neil DuCran	...	Brainiac Neil 38 episodes, 2003-2007
Moira Kan	...	Brainiac Moira 38 episodes, 2003-2007
Richard Hammond	...	Self - Presenter 37 episodes, 2003-2006
Ed Arriens	...	2 Brains 37 episodes, 2003-2006
Rachel Grant	...	Professor Myang Li / ... 35 episodes, 2004-2008
Stefan D'Bart	...	Dolly Boy 28 episodes, 2005-2008
Daniel Norris	...	Brainiac Dan 31 episodes, 2004-2006
Charlotte Hudson	...	Self 29 episodes, 2004-2007
Richard Greenwood	...	Brainiac Richard 28 episodes, 2003-2005
Peter Dickson	...	Self / ... 23 episodes, 2005-2008
John P. Kilcoyne	...	Self / ... 22 episodes, 2005-2008
Karen Naiker	...	Brainiac Karen 20 episodes, 2004-2005
Sonal Patel	...	Brainiac Sonal 18 episodes, 2004-2005

Storyline

The show that's takes a comedic look at the world of science and asks the really important questions as well as putting stuff in microwaves

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Plot Keywords:

reenactment | scientific experiment | surrealism | number in character's name | water | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The show courted mild controversy when it emerged that at least one of the experiments was faked by a pyrotechnics department. The alkali metals are known to react rapidly with water, producing hydrogen gas and energy, with potentially explosive results. An experiment was set up to demonstrate how these metals reacted by dropping them in water, with the expectation that the heavier alkali metals would be more potent. Lithium, sodium, potassium and rubidium reacted with increasing potency. However caesium (the heaviest of the alkali metals commonly available) simply sank to the bottom of their "tank" (a bath) before it could react significantly, which was far less dramatic than the other reactions suggested. The producers had the bath wired with explosives and blown to pieces, and presented this instead. According to a statement issued by the production company, they frequently used pyrotechnics in this way.

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Quotes

Richard Hammond: [introducing Jon Tickle walking on custard] Now, science has proven the following - man cannot walk on water. Jesus did, but he was the son of God, giving him an unfair advantage.
[pushes Jon into the pool]
Richard Hammond: As you can see, Jon Tickle cannot walk on water.
Jon Tickle: But I can walk on custard!
Richard Hammond: ...but he can walk on custard.

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Connections

Followed by Brainiac: History Abuse (2005)

User Reviews

Lacking Science

It is rather dumb! Compared to the obvious other show it is compared to Mythbusters it lacks a scientific basis. Also really tits and explosions.. so what?

Then again if you are coming from your boring job, just been through bad traffic and the neighbours freaking dog can't stop barking. Yeah I see the position of this kind of television show. It is for when you want to switch of your brains :)

Hell there are whole themed television channels where you can simple switch off your thinking, drink beer and be entertained.

Now what I miss is the sticking factor. I mean really with brainiac you can only say "Hey seen that explosion on Brainiac" and what do you get back "What of the 10?"

Some might feel hurt by what I am saying now but it is moronic. I remember that after a good Mythbusters and during I and the ones I life with actually talk about how we would do it? How we can see a thing to work, very interactive!

You know that is why it gets a 3, it is entertainment and it works. But you simply forget it exists! It doesn't leaves anything behind! There is no sticking power no deeper thoughts. 3 out of 10 it is!

Details

Official Sites:

G4TV Sky One

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 August 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Brainiac - Apithana peiramata

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), London Weekend Television (LWT)

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1