Yes, of the specials that Derren has done, 'Messiah' - set in the US, was my favourite and shows his multiple skills in being able to tackle and take on multiple disciplines and beat/convince the best in the business.
Philip Escoffey is coming on this week with a show called, 'Impossible' and goes out for six, hourly, weekly programmes. It combined a game show and magic.
Randi did a series of challenge shows in the UK over 2 decades ago where claimants came on the show to strut their stuff and inevitably but very respectfully got debunked.
Richard Dawkins has had a couple of series (e.g. the God delusion) and Penn and Teller had a purely magic show in the UK where they had to work out how tricks were done, but this wasn't really a sceptical or rational show.
Derren's, 'Miracles for sale' was special in that he did not leave himself open to harrassment by fundamentalists as he specifically targetted the fraudulent, not religion. [If the hat fits, wear it though]. It was very down to earth on a relatively small budget showing warts and all, finding a nobody and showing what could be done on the streets and in a healing meeting. He used the help of ex pentecostals and current Christians who havce concern for people's health. Derren exposed some very common hearing, sight and leg lengthening stunts. He didn't go down the harder, 'Penn and Teller' route as this would not suit him or get as good a reaction. He showed restraint, concern, respect, coupled with seriousness without compromise, all of which has left it open for high budget expose's and new ideas on how to try to target such national ministries and industries to both believers and sceptics alike.
If anyone has not seen Darren, it is hard to find him doing a bad show, and they all show innovation and a world class mastery of various skills, so check him out.
