Ep 5. Back Breaker

In American Pickers season 1 episode 5, entitled "Back Breaker", hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz take viewers on another exciting adventure through the backroads of America in search of hidden treasures. The duo, who are both skilled "pickers" – people who search for and buy valuable items – travel hundreds of miles in their trusty van, ready to haggle and negotiate their way to the best deals.

The episode begins with an introduction to Mike and Frank, who give viewers a brief overview of what "picking" is all about. They explain that it involves searching for and finding antique and vintage items that are no longer made and that can be sold for a profit. The show then jumps right into the action, as Mike and Frank set their sights on a promising location in rural America.

Their first stop is at a property belonging to a man named Bob, who supposedly has a large collection of vintage signs and advertising art. When they arrive, they quickly discover that Bob is a tough negotiator who is not willing to part with his treasures easily. Mike and Frank spend a lot of time trying to convince Bob to part with his items, using their charm and expertise to try to get him to lower his prices.

The next stop on their journey takes them to a farm owned by a man named Don, who has a seemingly endless supply of rusty old machinery. Mike and Frank are particularly interested in an old tractor that Don has, as it is a rare model that could fetch a high price at auction. However, Don is not interested in selling the tractor, and Mike and Frank end up having to settle for other items on the property.

As the episode progresses, Mike and Frank continue their search for hidden treasures, visiting a number of other locations where they encounter interesting characters and rare finds. Along the way, they share stories about their lives and experiences as pickers, highlighting the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding valuable items.

One of the most memorable moments of the episode comes when Mike and Frank stumble upon a massive collection of antique tools in a barn owned by a man named Gary. The sheer number of tools is overwhelming, and Mike and Frank are like kids in a candy store, eager to start searching through the piles of rusty wrenches and hammers. They spend hours picking through the collection, marveling at the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the tools.

Throughout "Back Breaker", Mike and Frank demonstrate the art of picking, showing viewers how to spot valuable items and negotiate prices with sellers. They also offer insights into the history of the items they find, explaining how certain tools and pieces of machinery were used in the past.

Overall, "Back Breaker" is a captivating episode that showcases the excitement and adventure of picking. Mike and Frank prove to be charismatic hosts, providing viewers with both entertainment and education as they travel through small towns and rural areas in search of hidden treasures. Whether you're a fan of antiques and vintage items or simply enjoy watching engaging reality shows, American Pickers season 1 episode 5 is definitely worth checking out.