Ep 1. Meet the Campbells
- TVPG
- October 19, 2011
- 20 min
In the first season of American Hoggers, viewers are introduced to the Campbell family, a group of tough and skilled hog hunters based in Texas. In the first episode, titled "Meet the Campbells," we get a glimpse into the daily lives of the family as they struggle to balance their hunting business with their personal lives.
The episode opens with a scene of Jerry Campbell, the patriarch of the family, out in the wild searching for hogs. He's a seasoned hunter who's been doing this for decades, and he's clearly passionate about his work. As he explains, hog hunting is a dangerous and difficult endeavor, but it's also necessary to protect the local communities from the destructive and invasive pigs.
Jerry's wife, Bobbie Jo, and their two children, Robert and Krystal, also play a big role in the family business. Robert is depicted as a bit of a hothead who's quick to get into arguments with his father, while Krystal is a more level-headed and likable character. She's a skilled hunter in her own right, and she's clearly dedicated to the family business.
We also get to meet the family's hired hand, Lea. She's a young and attractive woman who's trying to prove herself as a competent hog hunter. The Campbells are a tight-knit group, but there's definitely some tension between Lea and the rest of the family. Robert seems particularly skeptical of her abilities, and he's not shy about expressing his opinions.
As the episode progresses, we follow the Campbells on various hog hunting expeditions. They set up traps, lay out bait, and use dogs to track down the pigs. We see some intense and graphic footage of the hogs being killed, which may not be suitable for all viewers. However, the show does make an effort to portray the Campbells as responsible and respectful hunters who are just doing their job.
Aside from the hunting itself, the episode also delves into the family's personal lives. We see Robert and Krystal both struggling with relationships, as well as Jerry and Bobbie Jo dealing with some health issues. There's a sense that the hog hunting business is taking a toll on the family, both physically and emotionally.
Overall, "Meet the Campbells" is a solid introduction to American Hoggers. Viewers get a sense of the gritty and dangerous world of hog hunting, as well as the unique dynamics of this particular family. There are certainly some flaws with the show - the editing can be choppy at times, and there's a definite emphasis on drama over education - but it makes for an entertaining watch nonetheless. Whether you're a fan of hunting shows or just curious about this obscure subculture, American Hoggers is worth checking out.