Prepare for a descent into the wonderfully weird world of competitive… oddness. In “Strange Games,” the seventh episode of “The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd” airing Friday, December 27th at 9:00 PM on History, the former Ghostbuster turns his attention to some of the most peculiar contests humans have devised. From the surprisingly intense world of toe wrestling to the arguably subjective realm of ugly pet competitions, Aykroyd acts as our guide through this bizarre landscape.
Yes, toe wrestling is apparently a thing. And “The UnBelievable” is going to give it the full anthropological treatment, examining the origins, rules, and, one assumes, the gripping (or perhaps toe-curling) drama of this unusual sport. While some might scoff, it’s precisely this kind of offbeat subject matter that makes the show so much fun. Aykroyd’s blend of genuine curiosity and subtle humor elevates what could easily be mere mockery into something genuinely fascinating.
From the athletic arena of intertwined toes, the episode shifts to the less physically demanding but equally strange world of ugly pet competitions. While celebrating the unique charm of less-than-conventionally attractive animals, the segment also raises questions about our standards of beauty and the societal pressures we place even on our pets. Aykroyd, with his trademark dry wit, might just have some insightful commentary on this furry and feathered phenomenon.
But “Strange Games” doesn’t just focus on the overtly bizarre. Aykroyd also turns his attention to the hidden histories of common schoolyard games, uncovering unexpected origins and cultural connections. This blend of high and low strangeness, from the niche to the nearly ubiquitous, gives the episode a broad appeal, promising something to pique the curiosity of even the most jaded viewer.
“The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd: Strange Games” airs Friday, December 27, 2024, at 9:00 PM on History.
