Pawn Stars Is Pretty Sweet

At first, the show, Pawn Stars, on the History Channel seemed stupid to me. I didn't like the pun and I failed to see how a show about a pawn shop would have anything to do with World War II which is really the only reason people watch the History Channel. Anyway, after the strange, "somewhat-related-to-Louisiana-history" show, Swamp People, grew on me, I decided to give Pawn Stars a try. I ended up enjoying it.

The show is about four guys who run the "Gold & Silver Pawn Shop" in Las Vegas. This is a family business run from grandfather to grandson. Rick, the bald guy, runs the shop with his son, Corey, the first from the left of the picture above. Rick knows a lot about American History and is very passionate about it. His son is learning the business and sometimes gets up in his father's face.

Also in the shop is Rick's father called, "The Old Man". That's it. He is referred to as "The Old Man" throughout the show. He doesn't laugh or smile and is perpetually pissed off at the stupidity of everyone around him. Speaking of stupid, the last character in the show is "Chumlee", Corey's best friend and designated comedy relief. Chumlee is always the butt of jokes but is prone to moments of genius, at least, when the situation is convenient for him.

Anyway, the shows format is simple. Some shmoe walks into the shop with an unusual item like, let's say, keys to activate a Russian nuclear missile. You know, quaint little curios. Rick gives us the info about the item's unique history which, I guess, qualifies this show to be on the History Channel. You know, if things were that easy, maybe if the hosts of Wipeout would talk about the history of obstacle courses or something, they would qualify to be on the History Channel but I digress.

Anyway the History™ segments regarding the items are very interesting. As it turns out, the keys mentioned were not for missiles but for space shuttles which is about as cool. Some items like guns and swords are always a good listen. If Rick doesn't know much about the item, he calls an expert. After we had our fill of History™, the item is appraised and Rick asks the customer if he wants to sell it. Usually the customer is a dumbass who wants to sell it at its exact value thus, denying Rick profit. Anyway, they haggle a bit which is fun to watch then they strike a deal, do a handshake and "go do some paperwork".

Corey and Chumlee usually go on the road or do some work outside the shop. Corey and Chumlee are hilarious together. I'm not sure what the Old Man does but he's probably doing some managerial stuff in the back or something. Hey, nobody argues with the Old Man. Old Man is often annoyed with the antics of his dumbass sons but always with Chumlee. Occasionally the Old Man deals with the people who bring all the weird crap in.

What I enjoy most is the brutal honesty of Rick and Old Man. If your item is worth crap, they won't hesitate to tell you. If you offer a ridiculous price, they laugh it off and offer a more realistic one. They draw the line and if the deal just won't work then too bad, go sell it yourself then.

I never expected to enjoy this show. Its just fun to watch and the characters have really interesting personalities.

I still think IRT Deadliest Roads is still stupid though no matter how you look at it.