Michael,
The documentary itself was remarkably content-free. We saw some very brief snatches of video of the wreck, some interesting CG (featuring a mediocre but passable CG model of the ship), a number of historical errors, and we finally got to see Bemis in person and in action.
There were positives, however. The research on the paintings and lead tubes, on the bacteriological growth, etc., however was very interesting. I also liked the team that was exploring the wreck -- at least what I saw of their group and the way they comported themselves on this expedition.
The upshot is this: we know that conditions at the wreck site are really deteriorating rapidly and that time left for exploring what's left of her is greatly reduced. (Not that we didn't know she was deteriorating before, but now it's been shown to the public at large.) Hopefully what will happen is a loosening of restrictions on diving to the wreck so that Bemis and other respectable teams can go back to the wreck and have a good look at her. Hopefully this will come to pass in short order, although I won't hold my breath, since Government in general is usually as slow as molasses in Central New York during January.
As for the high-explosives and all that, as regards conspiracy theories regarding depth-charging, et. al. -- I'm not even going to touch those with a ten-foot pole.
Hopefully there will be another expedition out there... maybe as early as this summer, I hope. (?) And, since this message board is seen by a lot of people, documentary producers and expedition leaders should be aware that I'm always eager to take a seat on any future expedition to the wreck to serve as a historical consultant.
