Another television show that I find rather "fun" showcases the use of some deliciously low-tech in the "ultimate tech" systems at "Warehouse 13", a series on the Syfy channel that's just begun it's second season. Mechanical engineer types and those inclined to rummage through attics and basements for old magic trick paraphernalia will enjoy the brass, wood and leather antique feel of most of the devices used in this show. From the "Farnsworth" video phones the characters carry to the various security systems in place and the myriad of "artifacts" stored within it, a secret government warehouse is full of odd looking devices designed with complicated simplicity in their functions.
While viewing these things with intrigue, a story line lumbers along in the background to bring meaning to the existence of the warehouse and the duties of it's stewards. Imagination rules this show and invites unlimited possibility into the workings of any plot.
The premise is not new - dangerous objects exist that can be used for evil and paranormal mischief. When found, those objects are collected and removed from society so no further damage may be done. Each week, some object becomes the focus of a search by the good guys, or the center of a nefarious plot by the bad guys. The protagonists narrowly escape certain death, find said object, securely contain it and save the planet. The attraction is in the odd characteristics of the objects themselves and in the puzzle-solving aspects of their ultimate acquisition. In "Warehouse 13", it is the US government behind the management of all this material. In a show a couple of decades ago called "Friday the 13th" it seemed that that responsibility lied with the curator of an old antique shop somewhere back near the northeast coast.
For me, items as simple as a pair of special goggles needed to navigate the "Escher Vault" are so cool looking that I need to find a pair for me to use while riding my Harley. The "Tesla" guns are just what you would imagine a pistol sized tazer built in London in the 1850's would look like. So many things - switches to flip, buckles to buckle, toggle switches, push button triggers and primitive radio control devices - all with wood, rope, silver, leather, brass and ingenuity. I'd love to spend a week or so in the props department of this show talking with the art department and set designers!
Sure, I could keep stuff in a box with a lid.. or I could store that same stuff in an intricately designed metal and wooden masterpiece of a container with secret locking trickery built right in so only I knew the answer to getting it open.. that would be so much cooler.
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