Let's just say Dr. Phil wouldn't last 10 minutes with the squabbling Teutels of Orange County Choppers in Rock Tavern, New York.
American Choppers, the wildly entertaining reality series from cable's Discovery Channel, is a hybrid television show blending serious family dysfunction with gearhead razzmatazz and deadline tensions in a motor shop (as with that other Discovery series,
Monster Garage, where nonconformist engineers work frantically to build unique vehicles).
Choppers concerns generational feuding between two highly talented designers and builders of one-of-a-kind, sometimes beautiful choppers (no, no--don't call them motorcycles), a father-and-son team who happen to share the same name. Fiftysomething Paul Teutel Sr. is the walrus-mustachioed owner of OCC, a boulder of a man with a sharp tongue, ironic sense of humor (he's the first to laugh hysterically when he and his son, simultaneously backing out of OCC's icy driveway in a macho display of speed, collide their trucks) and passive-aggressive tendencies. Even to a casual viewer, Paul Jr., OCC's Chief Fabricator and Designer, is clearly the target of his dad's mid-life anxiety over creeping irrelevancy. But the younger Teutel has a nasty streak, too, especially a working knowledge of how to make his father feel isolated, marginalized, even unloved.
Most of the 13 episodes in this boxed set find Paul Jr. immersed in some kind of expensive project, building a spidery display chopper for a big trade show in New York City, a NASCAR-themed bike for a special event, or a Firebike to honor the fallen firefighters of 9/11. In each case, Paul Sr. hovers over his son's shoulder, observing skeptically, criticizing one or another detail, barking about the schedule. Junior fights back, attacking what he perceives as the old man's cluelessness, mocking his unwanted efforts to collaborate. It's ugly, but it's also compelling and somehow even fun--perhaps because both men are so transparent in their complementary issues. Not every episode is full of friction; there are lighter moments and times of emotional release and bonding. Late in the season, when Junior's brother Mikey gets involved in the family business, an added layer of sibling rivalry brings a whole new dimension to this unusual psychodrama. --Tom Keogh
Welcome to Rock Tavern, New York, home of the AMERICAN CHOPPERS, the legendary custom motorcycle shop of the feisty father-and son team of Paul & Paul, Jr. Teutul. The highest rated show on the Discovery Channel, AMERICAN CHOPPER captures the excitement , setbacks and triumphs of Team Teutul, as they race against the clock to fabricate and build a mind-blasting battalion of motorbikes and choppers especially designed to kick some serious butt in the nation's hottest trade shows and races. Contains all thirteen episodes from the hit series' first outrageous season.
1 absolutely charming, inspiring and wonderful reality show
I am going to first start off by writing the fact that when I started watching this show a few years back that I was in no way intrested in metal fabrication or motorcycles for that matter. Now I own my own 78 harley which I have modified heavily for fun, so to anyone (yea im talking to you CDI grizzly) who says that these guys are chumps and dont know what they are doing maybe you should talk to the couple million bikers who actually work, build and ride creations inspired by this show, truly amazing what this show has done for so many people.
The show is quite honestly a perfect example of commentary, display and final showoff of creations that are made. You find out what it takes to actually make something from ground up, add to that this show is hilarious with the dad and mikey. Add to that all the guys that work there are amazing guys.
So in conclusion this show is amazing and now that you can get the entire first 2 seasons for 25 bucks a piece is a no brainer for anyone who remotely enjoys motorcycles or creation shows.
2 WANNABEE WORSHIP!
Speaking on the authority of a REAL Biker who has LIVED the Lifestyle for over 35 of my almost 53 years, during which I have ridden the same '63 Harley Panhead, (which I built and rebuilt from the ground up with my own two hands), longer than the Turtle Kids have been alive, My Brothers and I all find Orange County Chumps to be some of the Funniest Comedy on DVD! Their Ol'Man is one of the greatest comedians to try and call himself a "biker"; seemingly, the only thing that HE works at is running his MOUTH! What little I have been able to watch of this show without developing acute nausea, I have NEVER seen Turtle, Sr. EVER pick up a tool or lend a hand to help anyone at ANYTHING.
The bikes built by OCC may have some eye appeal, but are otherwise a waste of parts & labor, as they are totally unridable; you would need an entire parking lot to turn one of them around, and the spider bike in particular, with its ridiculous rear fender, would give you a radical shower if one attempted to ride it on wet pavement, much less in the rain!(And I would LOVE to know what company sells them INSURANCE!)
My Brothers and I have long debated which is more hilarious, the Turtles, with their hour long screaming matches, or the sidewalk commandos who give the mighty OCC free advertising, running around with T-shirts & other gear, none of whom OWN, or probably even KNOW HOW to ride a MOTORCYCLE! Only Hang-arounds and Wannabees worship these comedians; REAL Bikers only LAUGH at them! The only reason this gets two stars is the LAUGH Factor!
At least Jesse James RIDES his creations to shows! The Turtles TRAILER Theirs (and then have to FLY IN their mechanics when one of their monstrosities breaks down!) JESSE may be terminally commercial, but at least he's HONEST!
3 Confused
Although I think this is one of the most authentic and funniest reality shows on TV, I'm a little confused as to the pricing on this box set. Years ago, I bought the complete series (when season 1 finished) for $150 from Discovery direct. I didn't think they'd release this in any packaged format and since they sell all their shows at a rate of $20-$30 each, I had to grab it from their site. Now they advertise the complete season in a box set for $80 after each episode, which looks the same as this release only much more expensive. If anyone knows what will be included in this release, please post the info. My box set doesn't include the two original episodes prior to the series.....when they were building the Jet Bike (that's the pilot) along with the Cody Project, which wasn't part of the actual AC series. In any event, I can't recommend this enough and will be buying this and series 2.
4 The Guys at American Chopper are great ! I really like them
I have been a fan of the show on Discovery Channel. Late night, I work all night long on my web site for Horse Racing fans, and its a grind getting all the info typed in before daylight arrives.
One of the more enjoyable shows on Discovery helps me get through those long nights, its American Chopper.
Right away, you realize that this is a show about much more then just building hot bikes. The bikes are hot, and the talent displayed by Paul, jr and family is very impressive.
This show gives you the human side of the Teutul family. I have to say the greatest aspect of American Chopper is that you feel you are watching real people, not paid actors, and it makes all the difference in the world.
Paul jr's commentary is so honest. He is not being pretneous in any way, and when people make mistakes, they admit to them, and the show moves on. Our day to day life is filled with people being hammered for making any mistakes in their work, and its very refreshing to see the guys move forward and work as a team if any problems arise with the building of these very complicated bikes.
In a way, you almost feel like you are invited to be part of the family as you watch the family interaction between Paul, Paul jr, Mike and Vinny.
I really like the Teutul's and the show, and would encourage people to buy the DVD's. Its a refreshing idea for a TV Show, and it really holds your interest through each episode.
On my web site, I say "The Stick Rules"
For this show, you have to say..."The Teutul's Rule !"
It takes an artist, and a skilled craftsman and an amazing business sense to create, design and fabricate the one of a kind bikes you see on the show. This family seems to have all those talents wrapped up in the talented people they surround themselves with.
G-d bless,
MC -www.TheStickRules.Com
