In 2015, the History Channel tried to build on the success of Curse of Oak Island by combining that show’s format with what it believed was a public clamor for pirates and Templars. Unfortunately, the resulting conspiracy theories led the UNESCO to condemn the production for its “media-led approach,” which the UN culture organization claimed jeopardized archaeological research in Madagascar, where the series filmed. It was the first History series condemned by the UN, prompting a disclaimer on episodes, which the network burned off two at a time on Saturdays with little promotion, bumping it from prime time to early evening for its final outings.
Season One
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1. The Templar Connection
Scott Wolter tracks the Templars through Jerusalem, speculating on their heretical Christian views, while Barry Clifford explores an 18th century Madagascar shipwreck for alleged Templar treasure. 3. The Case of Captain Kidd
While Barry Clifford struggles to obtain permission to continue his explorations, Scott Wolter speculates on whether Capt. Kidd, the notorious pirate, was working with Freemasons to recover Templar treasure. 5. The Flaming Cross
Scott Wolter explores the former Portuguese colony of Goa for evidence of Templars, while Barry Clifford slowly determines that the Templars were not pirates but rather that the Portuguese were robbed by pirates. |
2. The Great Adventure
Scott Wolter decamps to Portugal in search of remnants of the Templar organization, while Barry Clifford finds a spoon and a lump of lead while investigating what he identifies as the remains of pirate ships. 4. Forgotten Fortress
While nothing happens with Barry Clifford, Scott Wolter examines Dighton Rock for Portuguese markings and heads to Madagascar to look for a Portuguese fortress in the hope that the ruins will conceal Templar secrets. 6. Treasure Island
The whole team comes together to share their findings and do not recognize that all of their initial premises and assumptions turned out to be wrong. They then set up a second season that will never happen. |
