Ep 7. Man on Wire, Bigger is Better and Filipino Follies

In season 12 episode 7 of Mysteries at the Museum, viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most intriguing stories of human achievements, eccentricities, and oddities from around the world. From a daring high-wire act to an incredible feat of engineering, and a bizarre cultural practice, this episode has something for everyone.

The first segment, titled "Man on Wire", explores the remarkable story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit and his illegal, yet awe-inspiring, walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974 – an act that culminated in his arrest but also earned him worldwide fame. Using rare footage and interviews with those who knew him, the segment delves into Petit's personality, motivations, and the hard-won victory that made him a living legend.

Next up is "Bigger is Better", which tells the compelling tale of the Hoover Dam, one of the largest and most ambitious engineering projects ever undertaken by the United States. The segment details the daunting challenges faced by the architects, engineers, and workers who built this behemoth, including the harsh conditions of the Southwest desert, the ambitious timeline, and the complicated logistics of transporting cement and other materials across treacherous terrain. Through interviews, historical documents, and archival photographs and film footage, viewers get a revealing look at the people and the processes behind one of America's greatest engineering achievements.

The final segment, "Filipino Follies," takes us to the Philippines for a peek into one of the country's most distinctive and quirky traditions – the art of carabao racing. This segment features local enthusiasts of the sport, who compete in a series of bizarre obstacle courses with their trusty buffalo mounts. From navigating through water bogs to crawling through mud pits, the Filipino locals show viewers the thrill, skill, and humor behind this unique cultural pastime.

Throughout the episode, host Don Wildman provides insightful commentary, contextualizing each story and drawing connections between them to form a cohesive narrative. With its intriguing mix of history, science, culture, and human interest, Mysteries at the Museum season 12 episode 7 is a fascinating exploration of some of the most fascinating stories of human endeavor and ingenuity.