Best TV factual errors of 2007

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The Big Bang Theory picture

The Countdown Reflection - S5-E24

Factual error: There is not a snowball's chance of Howard becoming an astronaut. He suffers from cardiac arrhythmia, something about which he is completely open. "Transient" or not this is easily detectable by a simple electrocardiogram, which is a fundamental part of the many medical examinations a potential astronaut will have to pass. He wouldn't even be allowed to start basic training. Note also that during his basic training he shows signs of severe stress and trauma which would inevitably trigger a cardiac episode. Even if it didn't the fact that he was falling apart at the seams would have him removed from the programme for his own good.

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Mad Men picture

The Suitcase - S4-E7

Factual error: At the beginning of the episode, the male employees are all discussing James Bond. It is mentioned that 'James Bond goes underwater, he met a girl underwater'. This refers to the plot of the movie 'Thunderball' (it does not occur in the Thunderball novel, nor any novel or film prior to this). The main plot of this episode centres around the Sonny Liston VS Cassius Clay fight in May 1965, and 'Thunderball' was not released until December of that year.

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Chuck picture

Chuck Versus the Fake Name - S3-E8

Factual error: When they first bring Grueber into Castle, Sara states that "he is one of five people who can hit a target from half a mile away." Half a mile is 880 yards. Basically every person who has graduated from (or likely everyone who has been selected for) sniper school in any military in the world should be able to do this. (00:05:20)

Prince Ly Squisher

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The Dresden Files picture

Birds of a Feather - S1-E1

Factual error: Talking to Dresden, Bob refers to his first grimoire (a book of spells & magic). But the closed captioner, apparently unfamiliar with the term, has rendered the line, "My first Renoir," which, though amusing, makes no sense at all in the context of the conversation. (Refers to the aired version: the error was corrected on the DVD release.) (00:24:00)

Jean G

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Journeyman picture

Friendly Skies - S1-E2

Factual error: When Dan goes into the machine for his MRI a light switches on just as his head enters the machine. MRIs have soft muted lights already in the machine (so technician can see the patient via cameras) they want you to rest and be calm to avoid claustrophobia, there are no bright lights. I have had 5 different MRIs in 4 different machines in 2 different states, all were the same. (00:02:00)

OneHappyHusky

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Wizards of Waverly Place picture

The Crazy Ten Minute Sale - S1-E1

Factual error: When we see Gigi and her gang walking down the hallway, their hair is blowing backwards behind them. Yet the fan is in the wrong position (behind them) and therefore their hair should be blowing forward.

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Skins picture

Katie And Emily - S3-E9

Factual error: When Emily holds up her phone to see Naomi is calling her, the date on the screen is Friday 10th of July- this takes place several days before the Love Ball. However on the posters for the Love Ball the date for it is Tuesday 30th of June.

Zoee

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Gavin & Stacey picture

Episode Six - S3-E6

Factual error: Dave and Nessa's wedding is meant to be on 13th June and at the end supposedly 6 months later Nessa, Gavin and Stacey are sat on the sea wall in beautiful sunshine in summery clothes when it should be middle of December.

Upvote valid corrections to help move entries into the corrections section.

Suggested correction: Didn't they get married on 6th April, Stacey's dad's 50th birthday?

That was Gavin and Stacey's wedding. Not Nessa and Dave.

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Inspector George Gently picture

Gently Liberated - S8-E1

Factual error: As Bentley is shown round the control room of the plant there are modern LED light panels and modern health and safety stop buttons which would not have existed in the 1960s.

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Burn Notice picture

Fight or Flight - S1-E4

Factual error: When Michael attempts to start the Charger, the starter just clicks, indicative of a dead battery or faulty starter. He checks his father's logbook and reads "spark plugs." Unless the cylinders are filled with an non-compressible liquid, there is no way that spark plugs are going to prevent the engine from cranking.

goofyfoot

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Private Practice picture

Nothing to Talk About - S2-E3

Factual error: In the opening scene Addison and Pete are running on treadmills side by side. They are seen increasing their speeds to 8 mph and above. Addison even had hers to 10.1 mph yet they are both still talking, smiling, and laughing easily. 10 mph is a very fast speed for humans and they would not be able to laugh or even speak at those speeds. (00:02:10)

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Primeval picture

Series 5, Episode 2 - S5-E2

Factual error: Many of the Royal Navy details are completely wrong. The submarine captain's cap badge is not that of the Royal Navy. "Midshipman" Leonard wears the insignia of a chief petty officer. "Officer" (not a naval rank) Neal wears the insignia of a petty officer. "Officer" Shaw wears the insignia of an able rating. The Flag Office Submarines is depicted as a full admiral, whereas in fact he was a rear-admiral and the position no longer exists.

Necrothesp

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Benidorm picture

Episode #5.5 - S5-E5

Factual error: At the pool party at the end of the episode, Asa Elliott is singing Gold by Spandau Ballet. Whilst he's singing, the shots change to different couples/families at the party. When Asa finishes the song, 5 minutes and 58 seconds have passed. The actual song is only 3 minutes 55 seconds.

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