September 14, 2009
DT: Alux
by Oubliette
The second part of DT’s season opener takes us back to more familiar territory and is a perfect follow up to the wild and woolly ride of the first segment. It also involves investigating the more standard fare associated with the show: a mythical creature said to terrorize the residents of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Stories of small, human like creatures permeate folk tales throughout the world. Leprechauns, elves, gnomes are just some of these human like beings that have punctuated our fairy tales and gave us chills when we were just wee little skeptical viewers (or listeners). But there are other, more terrifying monsters, less human and more beast, which to this day are believed in and feared by grownups and children alike.
This brings us to DT’s investigation of the Alux (pronounced ALOOSH). Over 90% of the residents of certain areas of Mexico actually believe in this creature, and this is certainly a high enough percentage to entice Josh and crew to see if there is anything behind the innumerable stories regarding yet another intriguing, human-like monster.
According to these accounts, the Alux is a hairy creature standing between 30 and 50 inches tall. Living in caves and Mayan ruins, it walks upright like a human, is very fierce in disposition and emits a high pitched screech. But it is the face which presents the most terrifying aspect: canine incisors, small non-human eyes and large nostrils, it is a face that only a mother could love. In other words, right up DT’s alley, so to speak.
So it’s off to the Yucatan Peninsula, sight of many recent sightings of the Alux. Landing in Cancun, and resisting the temptation to join in the party atmosphere so prevalent in this tourist destination, without any hesitation the team is off to more remote areas of the Yucatan, this time in a decent vehicle that did not come with extras such as a supply of firewood in the trunk, and apparently dirt and mud were not included in the price.
As Josh informs us, belief in the Alux is so strong that locals have constructed small pyramids under highway overpasses for the creature’s convenience. The trip takes them past wonderful Mayan ruins, yet another reminder of the long and intense history associated with this part of Mexico.
But they are not here to go sightseeing. Josh consults with Carlos Cervantes, Professor of Anthropology at the Autonomous University of Yucatan (autonomous?), an expert on the Alux He confirmed that about 95% of people in the area believe in and are terrified of this creature, and directs the team to a shaman in Merida who would be of assistance in their quest.
Josh and company encounter some light-hearted fun along the way, including a festival featuring what looks to be cross-dressers prancing in the street. One playfully jumps on the hood, posing seductively, which gives everyone a laugh. Some might have found this odd, but basically it is just another everyday occurrence for the crew of Destination Truth.
Reaching their destination of Merida after nightfall, Josh runs smack into another festival, a Carnivale, and this time he cannot resist the temptation to enjoy the fun. The colorful crowd included a man who looked like Santa Claus–presumably we now know where Mr. Claus spends his time in the off-season. Josh jumps on the Mr. Potato Head float, the crowd is told he was the star in a Batman movie (garnering cheers of Batman! Batman!), and converses with a female police office while the rest of the crew partakes in the reverie. With typical Josh humor, he states he awoke the next morning with the female officer’s phone number written on his hand. Hmmmm..
Along the way to the shaman, they make a stop at a small town where a child was said to have been kidnapped by an Alux. No suspects involved in the kidnapping could be found by local police, and this seemed to solidify the parents’ belief that their son had been taken by the creature and alive and living in the jungle with these monsters. They informed Josh that the best place to find the Alux was the area where their son disappeared, and re-iterated that the shaman would be of assistance in their quest.
After a long drive which took them deep into the jungle, the team continues on foot in less than ideal conditions (familiar territory for DT). Finding ancient caves that over time have filled with water, Josh (who is a skillful scuba diver in his own right and is obviously enjoying this part of the adventure) and Jael decide to jump in and look for any dry spots that might prove to be home to the Alux. They don’t find any signs of this, but they do discover human bones. This was enough to send Josh and Jael back to the surface and on to the meeting with the shaman.
Through a translator, Josh was informed by the shaman, Sherapio Canul, that the Aluxes were present and that he would bless the team for protection. In addition, their party was instructed to take a sip of an ancient Mayan beverage, eliciting a remark from Josh that he hoped they were not about to embark on a psychedelic journey of sorts. Since no one seemed to think that this drink would win out over the Pepsi Challenge, I doubt that we will find it on grocery shelves anytime soon.
Finally setting up camp, IR cameras were placed in strategic locations. Sharra and Bisha were instructed to remain in the camp and monitor the equipment. Josh and Jael bravely set out into the dark jungle and immediately come across something scary–large, poisonous spiders who eyes glinted in the glare of their flashlights. Certainly no place for Steve from GH! With Josh’s backpack creaking like the Tin Man (his own description), they proceed forward and come across the ruins of a Mayan structure. Since it may indicate an Alux in the area, Josh requests Sharra to bring the parabolic dish to try and pick up any sound that might match the high-pitched giggle associated with the animal.
Audio man Mike, after sweeping the area with the dish, claims to have heard a strange sound far in the distance that might possibly match the vocalizations of the Alux. Suddenly Josh yells out a warning for everyone to step back. In good time, too, because they had inadvertently stumbled near a large and very poisonous pit viper. Sharra is sent back to base camp, and the rest continue on–a very brave move, in my estimation, but very typical of this show and why it is exciting to watch. These folks rarely give up, regardless of the obstacles they encounter along the way.
Their efforts are rewarded as they come across a huge cave. After a perilous climb downward, they reach the entrance, which was filled with dangerous creepy-crawlies of all kinds. As their torches go out, Josh and Jael switch to flashlights and discover some tiny bones that may belong to Aluxes. The discovered remains are collected for later analysis back in the US. Given the dangerous conditions, Josh decided to end the investigation.
Back in the States, these tiny bones were taken to be analysed by Dr. Jim Dines a mammalogist for the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the bones were not those of an Alux, but belonged to more everyday animals–a cow or goat like mammal, with the smallest bones probably belonging to a chicken. Although the question still remains as to why these bones were in the cave and what could have placed them there, it was apparent that evidence for the Alux was nil.
But what of all the eyewitness accounts and the intense belief in the Alux? Josh rightly concludes that this is no doubt a myth that has existed throughout the centuries and has increased in believability and stature as time went on. I’m wondering if it could possibly hark back to Mayan times, so engrained is the belief in the Alux throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Alux adventure, to my mind, brings out the many elements that make DT the great show that it is. Headed by Josh Gates, an adventurer cut from the cloth of an Indiana Jones-like character, we have a host who keeps an open mind and also possesses a sense of humor that is often lacking in this field. In addition, we have a team who, despite times when nerves get frazzled and real fear takes hold, continue to brave dangerous terrain, unsafe vehicles and take on most challenges that would send the average person scurrying away.
Though another cryptic bites the dust, in this case it was the fun and danger of the chase which held the viewer spell bound. It also proves to me that adding people from GH is totally unnecessary and actually detracts from the show. I am sure that much more lies ahead for us as we follow DT out into the vast territory that exists on the very fringes of science. I only wish Josh could do his thing unhampered by these "guests". He certainly is more than capable of carrying his own show and there is little boredom to be found (at least so far) as he travels the globe in search of the unknown. All we can do is wait and see if this merger will negatively effect DT's hard core fans. Meanwhile…on to the next adventure!
Filed under Destination Truth, Posts by Oubliette
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Comments on DT: Alux »
Revenant @ 4:20 am
Oubliette- "Back in the States, these tiny bones were taken to be analysed by Dr. Jim Dines a mammalogist for the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the bones were not those of an Alux, but belonged to more everyday animals–a cow or goat like mammal, with the smallest bones probably belonging to a chicken. Although the question still remains as to why these bones were in the cave and what could have placed them there, it was apparent that evidence for the Alux was nil."
I found it funny how this was phrased during the show. Like finding the bones of a goat and a chicken in a cave out in the jungle is odd somehow. Perhaps…and I'm just throwing this out there…it could have been one of the many predators living in Mexico like the Jaguar, the Puma, or the Mexican Grey Wolf, just to mention a few. You know, just sayin'…
Oubliette also said "It also proves to me that adding people from GH is totally unnecessary and actually detracts from the show. I am sure that much more lies ahead for us as we follow DT out into the vast territory that exists on the very fringes of science. I only wish Josh could do his thing unhampered by these "guests"."
Other people have mentioned this too. I don't have a problem with it. In the past, DT has used other "paranormal experts" to look at evidence, such as the Haunted Forrest episode. From SyFy's perspective, why not use the "in-house" experts, which would be the boys from GH. Whether they use GH members or outside sources, does it really matter? Is one better than the other? And aren't we going to essentially dismiss either one's "opinion" and just look at the evidence objectively for our selves anyway?
Oubliette @ 7:11 am
@Revenant-in the past Josh would take this type of evidence to paranormal experts that were basically unknown to the viewing audience. The trouble with going to GH is that we have, unfortunately, seen that their analysis and debunking skills are far from scientific. A lot of their conclusions have turned up to be very questionable. Plus it is interesting to meet other people working in this field who don't have a TV show/enterprise to promote.
But to be honest, there are no real experts in the paranormal field. Still not a legitimate area of study, with no actual ground rules and one in which, unfortunately, many people (i.e. PS) do not leave their belief systems at the door, it boils down to a matter of trust. And lately on GH we've had a lot of doubts about what they have presented as evidence.
But as I wrote, to J & G's credit they did not just leap on what Josh showed them as definitive proof. Also, as stated elsewhere, they were more careful in their analyses than they have lately been with their own evidence.
It's true we don't know the expertise of someone not known to the public. In truth I'd rather see video and audio specialists who are not involved in analyzing the paranormal to go over what DT captured. The microburst as mentioned by Nosfer is an example of a explanation that might have been put forward by a non-paranormal investigator. Previously Josh depended more on those who work with video and/or audio on a daily basis. To me, that added more credibility to the conclusion reached.
But as you state, in the end it is up to us to believe what we will. It is the phrase "we are known by the company we keep" that to me makes this an issue as opposed to other seasons of DT.
Liz M @ 8:58 pm
I was disappointed that they didn't record anything from the parabolic mic. You'd think they would try that, to see if they could get the cry of the Alux. And why was it that the parents of the missing boy were convinced he was living with the Alux? Does the Alux take human children as pets?
This part of the episode was a good example of the excellence of DT. Exotic location, dangerous animals and a creature that no one has ever heard of. Terrific!
Nosfer @ 9:13 pm
I was disappointed with the bones in the water. First, Josh said because of when the caves filled with water, they had to be thousands of years old.
Two things bugged me about that. One…could the bones have just been tossed in there, did they have to have been pre-inundation? Thus not as old as Josh inferred?
Second, if they WERE thousands of years old, and human, which they apparently were, that's a pretty right impressive anthropological find in itself which should have been pursued!
Oubliette @ 1:46 pm
Good points from everyone above. This second half could be called "old school DT" due to its similarities with the previous seasons.
Agree with Revenant and Nosfer re: the bones at both locations. I think in the past Josh would have shown more interest in the human remains, and why he wanted to leave them and the cave so soon is beyond me. Josh has already discovered a decent piece of possible Yeti evidence, and this might have proved an equally important find.
I don't find this type of episode disappointing at all because when the creature is almost always going to turn out to be more myth than real, we are treated to the team's local adventures. Most of these have been comical, some dangerous (as when they were in Africa) and gives the audience a look at spots that tourists never really get to see.
It does seem strange about the attitude of the little boy's parents, but perhaps they truly believe he is living with an Alux somewhere in the jungle. After all, it's a more comforting thought than the more reality based alternatives
Plus, as Liz mentions, the dangerous animals they encounter time and again brings an additional element of excitement. IMO, given time, DT could surpass GH in ratings if it reaches the right audience. Just compare the two season openers–DT took us on a whirlwind adventure (literally) as opposed to the same old slow paced investigative techniques of GH.
I just fear they will carry this crossover business too far. I still will insist that Josh is quite capable of carrying this series on his own, helped with a very decent cast of team players. I've always thought that DT was geared toward a different audience segment than GH, and had hoped it would remain that way.
We'll just have to see how this is going to develop.
alicat @ 2:32 pm
I guess what bothers me about the bones is what Nosfer alluded to in his post. Josh supposedly has a degree in archaeology and never took it further? Granted it's not a degree in anthropology but it surprised me none the less given his education and background.
jessica @ 4:45 pm
i think it could be true because were could that boy have gone unless he got lost
alicat @ 5:07 pm
jessica that is a question i would think about a bit more
Leslie @ 5:19 pm
I agree completely with Nosfer's comments about the bones. There is absolutely NO WAY that Josh can correctly conclude that the bones were that old, or were there before the cave was flooded, without further investigation. It really ticked me off to here him say that, and his credibility has dwindled in my eyes. I hope that this is not going to be the road that DT travels!
Nosfer @ 5:28 pm
From jessica: "i think it could be true because were could that boy have gone unless he got lost"
There are only about 83 non-paranormal explanations for where he could have gone, probably would do well to look at those before delving into the paranormal!
Leslie @ 6:36 pm
I just found some interesting comments about DT over at Cryptomundo for anyone who is curious.
http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/dt-alux-dg/
Seems we are not the only ones questioning their methods, etc.
Revenant @ 3:12 am
Leslie, thank you for the link. I just finished up Dan Gannon's seven point gripe about the depiction of the Alux in the DT episode. There is one point that stood out to me:
"7. On what basis did Josh Gates say, at the end of the program, that he believes the Alux is only a successful old legend, as oppossed to a real creature? Is he so confident that this seriously flawed and brief investigation would have captured an Alux on video, therefore they are now disproven? Please. The Aluxob may be one of the best documented cryptids on Earth, reported independently by multiple cultures, over a very long stretch of time, with remarkable coonsistency of the reports, and with ancient Maya paintings, carvings, and statues, depicting them realistically. Foreign archaeologists have even seen and reported them in detail. And Josh just dismisses them. What is that about?"
Hmmm…an interesting argument. I accept the challenge.
If I mentioned a fire-breathing dragon, would any of you know what creature that I was talking about? For argument's sake, I will just assume "yes." But if you have not personally seen a fire-breathing dragon for yourself (and again, just kind of assuming that no one here has, I mean maybe Blinddog, but I doubt anyone else…), then how do you know what one is? Could it be that the fire-breathing dragon is one of the best documented creatures on Earth? Could it be that it has been reported independently by multiple cultures over a very long stretch of time with remarkable consistancy? Could it be that almost every culture has depicted them in paintings, carvings, statues and other forms of art and literature? And quite realistically I may add as well. Or could it be that many people throughout history have claimed to see them and written about it in great detail?
So…does that make the fire-breathing dragon real as well? Should we rush in the closest cryptozoological team to go after it? Should we alert Homeland Security? I've already copyrighted and produced my "Revenant's Fire-Breathing Dragon Survival Kit" for only $49.95. So far it has a 100% success rate and Xmas is just around the corner…so you know, just throwin' that out there for the "hard to buy for" person in your life.
Or…could the fire-breathing dragon just be a successful old legend? A mythical creature that has been used as a symbol for many things for a mulitude of cultures for centuries. You know (Dare I say it? Oh, I shall dare…) kind of like the Alux.
If Mr Gannon chooses to disagree with this, then there is a way to defend his argument. After all, he does state: "the Aluxob have been extensively and consistently documented and described, in Spanish-Mexican culture for more than 500 years." Great. Super. With more than 500 years of solid evidence laying around, all he has to do is send some hair samples, bone samples, and since they're still living…an actually intact body (and if alive, so much the better) to a few reputable scientists here in the states and he's golden. Wait, what? Over 500 years and there's no concrete physical evidence? None at all? Hmmm…you mean kind of like the fire-breathing dragon? Like two mythical peas in a legendary pod…
And for our younger readers, yes…I had a bit of fun here, but the lesson that should be learned is to try to not use broad and excessive over-generalizations in your argument. Someone with half a brain (like me) can turn that argument against you in a heartbeat and with the greatest of ease. There were actually several ways to argue against what he said, I simply chose the easiest and the most entertaining. In your argument, try to be as specific as you can and try to use facts as often as possible…well, you know…just as long as those "facts" are real…
There. I finally gave back to the community. Happy?
Oubliette @ 8:01 am
@Revenant-Great post! That is another thing I like about the show; Josh is not afraid to label a creature a myth when little to no evidence is found. Unlike that UFO guy whose name escapes me. He labels almost every unexplainable light a UFO.
It's kind of like a taking a vacation. Sometimes half the fun is in getting there. I can understand some of Mr. Gannon's gripes but I think he misses the point about DT in the first place. Josh's investigations are time limited and they're under pressure to complete them in a relatively short span of time. I know I sound like I'm defending GH but the truth is that DT's investigations are much more intense. Usually expeditions take several weeks to months (or years). That is not the case here. There are some locations Josh would like to return to as he felt they were on to something. And unlike GH, he has come up with at least two pieces of good evidence (the Sasquatch cast and also the video of a Florida panther) which can now be analyzed for further study.
Now, I'm off to feed my dragon
Revenant @ 2:15 pm
Oubliette- "I can understand some of Mr. Gannon's gripes but I think he misses the point about DT in the first place."
First, thank you for the compliment on my post. Actually, I think Mr Gannon's argument is flawed from the very start. He is approaching the Alux as real without emperical evidence. There is no physical evidence to support the claim that Alux (or "Aluxob"…no idea what the difference is in the spelling, maybe it's the plural version?) currently exists or has ever existed.
I believe that Josh has more of a skeptical view. He acknowledges a possibility of such of thing, yet without physical evidence, he…like many of us here at this website, views it as highly unlikely. And…trudging through a jungle looking for a mythical creature is good TV. It's as simple as that.
Lastly, I am not saying that the Alux should be dismissed. The myths and legends of the creature are very valuable. From them, we can gain a better understanding of past and even present cultures. Why did they believe in it? What did it represent to them? What was happening in their society and environment that caused them to include the Alux into their beliefs? The questions go on and on. So there's nothing wrong with studying the stories of the Alux. We can actually learn from it. Yet…to flatly state that it is real without any physical evidence to back up the claim…yeah…I can't go with it.