Machine Gun

If it’s footage of mass destruction you’re after, you’ll be disappointed by The Discovery Channel’s new special Machine Gun. This is not to say that the show is poor or boring; it is, in fact, fairly engaging, but more contemplative (read: serious) than sensational (read: explosions and Terminator soundtrack music). Machine Gun explores this fearsome technological innovation and its effect on our history in playing roles as varied as military bully and mob enforcer. While the show does raise interesting questions about the use of some of our more questionable technological “accomplishments,” it informs more than it entertains.