Sorry to leave you hanging so far this week, Extreme Crafteers! I've been saving something awesome for you to make up for it. Last night I caught Mark Lewis' excellent Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence on PBS. It's part of a 3-episode series that, Errol Morris-like, captures the intensity of American obsession. Other episodes feature a hairstyling championship and synchronized swimming.
Comparisons to Best in Show are apt, but the dedication of the characters endear them to the audience. The ferret owners are shown in all of their quirky devotion to their animals--the filmmaker touches on birth, life, death, and of course....competition. The characters in the film are shown preparing for the Buckeye Bash--a sort of Superbowl of ferretdom. You'll learn about what ferret judges look for in a ferret, the dangers of ferret bites, and the behind-the-scenes drama. If you missed the ferret episode, I hope this clip will tide you over. Ferret costumes...who knew? Keep your eyes peeled for the hula bikini, which will, perhaps, go into the Extreme Craft hall of fame.
