Gold Rush's Underdog Story is Just Sad At This Point; Time For Fred to Quit
The hit reality series Gold Rush has been running since 2010, chronicling the adventures of miners as they search for gold in Canada, Alaska, and other remote locations.
One of the show's most recognized stars is Fred Lewis, a veteran miner who has been struggling to strike gold. And as he's now going into his fourth year of mining, many fans are starting to wonder if it's time for Fred to throw in the towel.
Fred Lewis made his debut as a medic for Parker's team during the third season of Gold Rush: Parker's Trail. Before entering the world of gold mining, Lewis had a diverse career journey, which included serving as a Green Beret and Special Forces Medic in locations such as Afghanistan and even teaching history and biology in schools.
However, it wasn't until he tried his hand at gold mining that he discovered his true calling.
But despite showcasing his ability to embrace new challenges and handle difficult situations, the amount of poorly thought-out decisions he has made throughout the seasons is so huge that fans have started to question Fred's continued presence on the show.
Viewers have been discussing the matter online for quite some time now and it appears that the majority has had enough of his lack of effort. They think he's just there for the paycheck as an actor, not to actually be a successful gold miner.
In fact, many fans have become so frustrated that they even skip his scenes, as watching someone repeatedly make mistakes while mining poor ground with subpar equipment isn't exactly thrilling entertainment.
Even though some viewers sympathize with Fred's ongoing struggles and appreciate that he seems like a good person, it's not easy to watch someone pour so much money into a failing operation over and over again.
Parker Schnabel and Tony Beets, for instance, have had successful clean-ups worth over half a million dollars, whereas Fred can hardly manage to reach double-digits.
That being said, it's also important to acknowledge the real-life challenges that miners face on a daily basis. Mining is a difficult profession, and it takes a certain level of determination, knowledge, experience, and passion for the business to pursue it and achieve results. And so far, Lewis is lacking on all fronts.
There's no doubt that Fred Lewis has become an integral part of the Gold Rush universe. His perseverance has gained him fans around the world, and his story has probably inspired many to pursue their own dreams, no matter how challenging. But as the show continues to evolve, it may be time for Fred to step back and reevaluate his goals.