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By: Michael Stankevich, Production Crew
I am a bad driver. It’s taken me a long time to come to this realization. Hopefully I’m still alive when you are reading this entry for The Incredible Dr. Pol.
One of the most pressing challenges of the production is to simply keep up with the man that is Dr. Pol. I mean keeping up in every aspect—but in this particular case, I’d like to write about driving.
Dr. Pol drives all over central Michigan on farm calls. At times, we chase him down back country roads while he leaves a trail of dust, and us, in his wake. I think it was only a week into the production when I found myself keeping up with—or at least, trying to keep up with Dr. Pol. I need to mention that my vehicle was, as usual, a little slow off the starting line.
Now, I wasn’t alone in my vehicle. I had a National Geographic executive, Geoff Luck, in the back and associate producer, Crystal Simms, in the passenger seat. We were behind the camera crew at a stop sign. Then I heard Charles’ voice on the walkie-talkie:
“You can make it!”
The camera crew pulls out onto the road and I follow right behind them. Little did I know, there is a semi-truck barreling down the road and it wasn’t slowing down. I swerved into the oncoming lane and I saw a car coming straight at me. The truck blew by and I swerved back behind the massive trailer. As the oncoming car flew past us, I think, “That was nice of him, he didn’t blow the horn at me. The people from central Michigan are a nice folk.”
The walkie-talkie cracked back to life. “Nice to still have you with us.”
As I think back and recall our near-death journey to a possible semi-truck pile up, I remember a couple of things. One is Crystal slamming her hand against the passenger window, mouth open but not making a sound. I’m still haunted by brother’s screams, “We’re going to die!”
But that’s another story. Hats off to the Geoff Luck; he was on a conference call the entire time, closed a deal, and mentioned I had superb defensive driving skills. I don’t think I thanked you for that. Thank you, Mr. Luck.
The funny thing is… they still give me the keys. Keep on truckin’, Dr. Pol. You haven’t ditched me yet.
On the next episode of The Incredible Dr. Pol: Before Dr. Pol is able to enjoy the Fourth of July, he must take care of animals in need. Dr. Brenda prescribes anti-anxiety medications to a puppy so she can get through the fireworks. Then, they receive a visit from a very sick dog, Gabby. Dr. Pol isn’t sure what’s causing her distress and it’s uncertain if she’ll wake up in the morning. Then, Dr. Brenda and Dr. Sandra help a cow in labor. The calves are positioned upside-down. Will they be able to save them? After the emergency farm calls and clinic visits for the week are complete, the Pols kick off their Fourth of July celebrations with a parade and a barbecue! With Charles manning the grill, family and friends gather at the Pols for some brats, potato salad, and fireworks.
Tune in to The Incredible Dr. Pol: Red, White & Moo this Saturday at 9P.
May 14, 7:40 am
