Discovery’s “Gold Rush” typically centers on the high-stakes drama of multi-million dollar machinery, precarious gold totals, and the larger-than-life personalities of the mine bosses. But this Friday, the network airs a special episode, “The Man in the Gold Room,” shifting the focus to one of the show’s long-standing supporting players: Chris Doumitt. He’s the guy often seen meticulously cleaning and weighing the gold, a crucial but less flashy part of the operation.
This special steps away from the sluice boxes and excavators to give Doumitt the floor. He apparently recounts his unlikely path to the Klondike, detailing a transition from his previous life as a carpenter to joining the original Hoffman crew – a decision that set him on a very different trajectory. For fans who enjoy the human element of the show beyond the weekly gold weigh-ins, this looks to be an opportunity to get a more personal perspective on one of the familiar faces.
Doumitt also gives his insights on working for Parker Schnabel, a boss known for his demanding nature and relentless drive. Hearing about that dynamic from an employee’s viewpoint could provide some interesting context. The special seems geared towards providing background, sharing anecdotes, and generally fleshing out the character of the man responsible for handling the fruits of the crew’s labor. It’s a change of pace from the usual frantic quest for paydirt, giving viewers a look inside the gold room and the life of the man who runs it.
The “Gold Rush” special “The Man in the Gold Room” airs Friday at 9:08 PM ET on Discovery.
