DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
‘Lost’ Actor Dominic Monaghan Goes On TV Quest for ‘Wild Things’
January 21, 2013  | By David Bianculli  | 32 comments
 

Dominic Monaghan, who played the ill-fated Charlie Pace on ABC’s Lost, attacks a true change-of-Pace role in his newest TV effort, a nature documentary series for BBC America. And he’s a natural…

Monaghan, who also played “Merry” Brandybuck in the Lord of the Rings movie series, is acting without a script this time. In Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, which premieres Tuesday night at 10 p.m. ET, he plays himself: an actor who also happens to have a strong passion for the natural world, a natural appetite for thrill-seeking, and, as it turns out, an impressive aptitude as the host of a new TV nature series.

Each installment of Wild Things sends Monaghan on a mini-mythic quest, seeking out the deadliest ant, say, or, in the opener, the world’s largest spider.

These quests are anything but simple. Before Monaghan even gets to the cave in Laos where the giant Huntsman spider is said to reside — a spider so remote and elusive, it was discovered only in the year 2000 — he encounters other things that can hurt or kill him. A python. An unexploded bomb. A scorpion, a monitor lizard and a green tree viper. And in every case, Monaghan’s instinct is not to run away, but to get closer. To grab the python by the tail, the scorpion by the head, and other bold behavior.

And he not only demonstrates this kind of fearless and confident behavior, but provides stream-of-consciousness commentary as he does so. If you don’t know why you should watch yet another nature show, much less one hosted by an actor, tune in. Within minutes, you’ll have your answer.

Monaghan combines the enthusiasm and in-the-field indefatigability of Sir David Attenborough with the gung-ho derring-do of the late Steve Irwin — a description Monaghan wasn’t quite prepared to accept.

“Thanks, man,” he says, speaking to me for TV Worth Watching by phone Monday. “That is a huge compliment. I’m not entirely comfortable with it, because I find both of those gentlemen to be complete legends in that field.

“Obviously, the late Steve Irwin was a highly accomplished herpetologist, and ran a zoo, and had animal expertise that I can only dream of. And I also think he was a true original, and someone who, as we know, died for what he loved, which is an incredible legacy that he left behind.

“And then David Attenborough — I mean, they kind of broke the mold with David Attenborough. He’ll probably go down as the greatest-ever televised natural historian of all time. He can do no wrong, really.

“So I’m hugely complimented by what you say, and those gentlemen were definitely influences in the way that I approached the show… The combination of a little bit of science and enthusiasm was probably influenced by David Attenborough, and then the willingness to put myself in the firing line, and enjoy the kind of adrenaline aspect of it, was probably a little more like Steve Irwin.”

Monaghan is nothing is not game — diving into murky waters, kayaking into foreboding caves, and clearly loving it every tentative, sometimes dangerous step of the way. He talks gently to snakes, and even insects, trying to soothe and respect them even as they prepare to strike him with their potentially lethal venom. If there’s such a thing as a spider whisperer, Monaghan is it.

“I find that I can talk about these animals at length just because I’m excited to be there,” he explains. “With animals, I find them so much fun to be around, and such a privileged experience, that I don’t feel like I run out of things to say.”

As for his gentle way with the creatures he encounters?

“I want all animals to have a positive experience hanging out with me,” he says, “and I’d want the same in the other direction, you know.”

Eight episodes were shot for the first season (“We go to Ecuador, Venezuela, Guatemala, Cameroon, Namibia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia,” he rattles off breathlessly), which was sold without a pilot presentation. And that speaks well for a second season, because Wild Things is even more impressive as a finished product than as a general concept. And if there is to be a Season 2, Monaghan and his team already have mapped out a dozen new stories to tell, and places to go, and experts to contact.

“Because my hope, in the second season,” Monaghan confides, “is to make the show better. Bigger, better, brasher, more ambitious.

“We try and tell more impossible stories, we try and go to some more difficult locations. So it’s going to take a little more preparatory time than the first season did. But if you make a second season of the show, it should always be better than your first season.”

That’s something Monaghan certainly achieved as an actor on Lost. And now, as both a host and producer of Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, it’s something he’d love to do again.

Based on the premiere episode, he’s more than earned the right to try.

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
FOIXT
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 2  | Go to page: 
32 Comments
 
 
This is a great inspiring article. I am pretty much pleased with your good work. You put really very helpful information.
Oct 5, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
I really wanted to make a brief comment in order to appreciate you for these nice strategies you are giving out on this site. My particularly long internet look up has finally been compensated with reliable content to go over with my neighbours. I ‘d say that many of us readers are undoubtedly endowed to be in a great network with so many marvellous individuals with helpful techniques. I feel truly privileged to have used your entire site and look forward to so many more awesome minutes reading here. Thank you once more for a lot of things.
Sep 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
SHANSHAIKH
Indeed, gold is an investment in Dubai as it drives foreign capital in the country. Unknown to many, it is the most profitable business since the precious metals keep their value, and the demand has been continually working every year. While Dubai has historically been a hub for gold traders, they also continuously contribute a significant share in the gold trading business in the UAE. If you are an investor, you should definitely consider setting up a gold trade business in Dubai. If you are not sure how, this article will help you delve deep before the onset of your gold business. With more knowledge and understanding, you can start making a profit out of gold, even in different departments.
Sep 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new information in your site.
Jul 10, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.
Jul 9, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.
Jul 8, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Truly, this article is really one of the very best in the history of articles. I am a antique ’Article’ collector and I sometimes read some new articles if I find them interesting. And I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work!
Jul 5, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Very nice blog and articles. I am realy very happy to visit your blog. Now I am found which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and waiting for your new post.
Jul 4, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job !
Jun 30, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
We provide language related services in Singapore and globally including translation transcription, interpretation, language courses, and many more
Jun 26, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
We are your local movers in Abu Dhabi dedicated in furniture moving and home removals Call Us Now for a Free Quote
Jun 26, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking.
Jun 22, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Awesome blog. I have read and thought about what you said. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
Jun 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I am just genuinely thrilled to come across this great site along with does get pleasure from looking at valuable content put up below. Your concepts in the publisher ended up being wonderful, cheers to the talk about.
Jun 18, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Wir bieten Unfallberichte und Schadensberichte für Kraftfahrzeuge an Klären Sie schnell Ihren Kopf nach einem Unfall Wir bieten unkomplizierte und schnelle Unfallhilfe
Jun 17, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Looking for high quality school badges to recognise the achievements of your students and staff Black Rooster Schools specialises in selling school badges
Jun 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Upgrade your organisation s identification and security with our high quality lanyards We offer a wide selection of stock and bespoke lanyards in bulk, made with durable materials in various colors and styles Fast shipping, competitive pricing, exceptional customer service Order now and elevate your organization s branding and security
Jun 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Wir bieten Unfallberichte und Schadensberichte für Kraftfahrzeuge an Klären Sie schnell Ihren Kopf nach einem Unfall Wir bieten unkomplizierte und schnelle Unfallhilfe
Jun 8, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Founded by KhadiYah Preciado, Yah s Apothecary offers Holistic, African and African American Centered Online Courses and Classes including Herbalism Courses, Women s Wellness and Womb, Home Herbalist Courses and more
Jun 4, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Quality Enamel Pin badges Free Expert Artwork Service Best Price Fast Lead Times Speak to our experts about creating bespoke pin badges for your organisation, club or school With Pantone matching and completely custom shapes available, we can work to your brief to create the perfect pin badge for your event or promotion Enquire now to speak to a member of our dedicated team
Jun 4, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 2  | Go to page: