Brad Meltzer's Decoded: Season 2 [DVD] [2011] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Even the most common, ordinary objects in the modern world and history may contain secret messages, steeped in codes and symbols. Brad Meltzer's Decoded is a show where the viewer follows a team of investigators who try to determine the meanings behind various symbolism, alleged secret codes and conspiracies that surround us everyday. In each episode, these credible researchers will travel far and wide to examine the clues and decode the hidden meaning behind these seemingly innocuous origins. They will canvas the darkest reaches of the world to connect dots toward revealing a deeper truth.

I love this show. I'm not a Conspiracy Theorist or a Conspiracy buff, I just enjoy watching shows dealing with Historical and unsolved mysteries. I agree with some critics that the show is far from being perfect, but each episode is full of interesting and fascinating information, and I've learned a lot while watching these episodes. Keep an open mind while watching this show, and don't take EVERYTHING they say too seriously. If, like me, you buy a lot of Historical documentaries on DVD then add this set to your collection, you won't regret it. The show is not perfect, maybe not for everyone, but it's definitely a fun show to watch. Enjoy ! :)

This set contains all 13 episodes from season 2, on 4 DVDs. Each episode is 45 minutes long.

1. FT.Knox
Brad's investigators look at one of the most secure places on Earth - the Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, where the U.S. Government reportedly keeps 147.3 million ounces (over 4,600 tons) of gold. Because there has not been a public audit of the gold since 1974 however, the team looks into rumors that the vault is now empty, and if true, it could devastate the nation's economy.

2. Declaration of Independence
Brad's team looks into various mysteries surrounding the Declaration of Independence, such as whether or not the document on display at the U.S. National Archives is the original copy; that the document wasn't authored by Thomas Jefferson, but instead Thomas Paine; and the document was used as a cipher for the Beale Papers which supposedly leads to $65 million in pirate gold.

3. Mount Rushmore
Brad and the team investigate allegations that the sculptor who created the Mount Rushmore monument, Gutzon Borglum, was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and that his monument represents white supremacy and not U.S. patriotism. They also learn that the evidence could be hidden within the "Hall of Records" - a time-capsule area located behind the monument that is off limits to the public.

4. Patton
Brad's team looks into the 1945 death of controversial WWII General George S. Patton, who died suddenly while recovering from injuries he sustained during an automobile accident in Germany. They also investigate rumors that the general may have been murdered by the Russians, or by an assassin working for the OSS under the orders of future president Dwight D. Eisenhower.

5. Spear of Destiny
Brad's team investigates the possible locations of the Holy Lance alleged to have been used during the crucifixion of Jesus and looks into the rumored obsession Adolf Hitler had in gaining possession of the spear.

6. Billy the Kid
Brad and the team look into the life and adventures of Billy the Kid and addresses the century-old debate of whether or not the legendary outlaw was shot dead by lawman Pat Garrett in 1881, or that he might have escaped and went on to live a longer life.

7. UFO
Brad's team interview members of the military and aviation organizations who have come forward to break their silence about their encounters with UFOs. From the famous Roswell UFO incident to Area 51, the team tries to piece together evidence of an alleged government coverup regarding the existence of extraterrestrial beings.

8. Da Vinci
Brad and the team examine the life of legendary artist and engineer Leonardo Da Vinci and look into the rumors that he hid cryptic prophecies in his work that are so dire, they were hidden away by the Catholic Church. To understand the mind of Da Vinci, the team looks at his controversial political views, his obsession with death, and the mysterious identity of Mona Lisa.

9. 2012: It Has Begun
Brad and the team study more apocalyptic prophecies of 2012 and look at evidence that they may be coming true. From ancient Mayan legends to the texts of King James Bible, the team tries to answer if doomsday is upon us and what we can look forward to on December 21, 2012.

10. Mafia: Alive?
Brad and the team look into the history of the mafia, beginning with Al Capone and his Chicago Outfit to Whitey Bulger and the Irish Mob. They also look into evidence that mafia is still around, but has evolved into something more powerful; such as Mexican drug cartels bringing violence to American soil and the "cybermafia" - a gang of high-tech criminals stealing money and identities over the internet.

11. Vatican
Brad's team goes to Rome to investigate rumors that the Vatican may have been involved in the death of one of their own, Pope John Paul I, who was in power for only 33 days before he was found dead of mysterious causes. They look into a possible cover up that he was about to expose a banking scandal involving the Freemasons and the Mafia operating inside the Vatican itself.

12. Houdini: Murdered?
Brad's team researches the life of legendary magician and escape artist Harry Houdini who died after a trick went fatally wrong, and looks into suspicions that his death was no accident, but an act of murder. To gain more insight, the team makes a list of possible suspects and motives, and uncover Houdini's backstage life of love affairs, family feuds, and rumored involvement in international espionage.

13. Devil's Graveyard, Alaska
Brad and the team investigate an area between Anchorage, Juneau and Barrow, Alaska, dubbed "Alaska's Bermuda Triangle," which has a disappearance rate sixteen times the national average. The team interviews local villagers, rescue workers and victim's families and listens to their theories as to why so many ships, planes and people have vanished without a trace.

The best part of these programs was the historical background for the various subjects. Unfortunately, I was never completely convinced that the conclusions were valid because so many possible avenues of investigation were not followed. Some of the investigators brought along their own presuppositions and let their prejudices color their view of the evidence. They could have been more objective. While the topics were interesting and entertaining, the depth of the research was shallow. I would love to see this series shot again with a budget about four times as big and with a team of scientifically trained investigators.

Would be nice if they had some conclusions at the end of each segment about what the truth was or call the series rumors.