CBS might be known for its high-stakes dramas and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, but a recent bomb disarming scene has exploded online — and not in a good way. According to a former Navy Special Operations EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) technician, the scene was “so far from reality it’s laughable.”
In a viral video breakdown posted on social media, the ex-military expert didn’t hold back — and fans are now reconsidering how much TV gets wrong about the real-life dangers of bomb disposal.
The Scene That Sparked the Controversy
The scene in question comes from a recent episode of a popular CBS procedural, which featured a high-tension moment where a character defuses a complex explosive device using:
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A paperclip
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A countdown clock
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A conveniently color-coded red wire (because of course)
After a series of overly dramatic camera angles and a cheesy line like “I’ve got one shot at this,” the character clips the wire at 00:01 and the bomb stops ticking.
“Yeah, You Wish” — The Expert’s Breakdown
Meet the Real Bomb Tech
The critique came from a former Navy EOD technician with 12+ years of field experience in combat zones. He goes by “@RealEODTech” on TikTok and YouTube, where he reviews military scenes in films and TV.
Here’s what he had to say:
“Cutting a wire with one second left is pure Hollywood. Real bombs don’t tick, they don’t beep, and they damn sure aren’t disarmed with a paperclip. Yeah, you wish.”
Key Points He Called Out
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Timers are rare: Most modern IEDs are remote-triggered or pressure-based.
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No red/blue wires: That’s a movie myth. Real bombs don’t use color codes.
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No one gets that close: EOD techs use remote devices or bomb suits, not bare hands and adrenaline.
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No dramatic countdowns: Real bombs don’t give you that kind of theatrical warning.
How Fans Reacted to the Scene
Social media quickly picked up the expert’s video, and the response was a mix of amusement and frustration.
📢 Fan Comments Included:
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“I always suspected this stuff was fake, but this guy just confirmed it 😂”
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“CBS needs a military consultant like yesterday.”
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“It was fun… until you realize how inaccurate (and disrespectful) it is to real EOD techs.”
Why It Matters — More Than Just TV Drama
Disrespect to Real-World Operators?
Some veterans and active-duty military personnel say Hollywood’s glamorization of bomb scenes undermines the precision, training, and danger involved in real explosive ordnance disposal work.
“It’s not just wrong — it’s insulting,” one retired Army EOD Sergeant posted. “You don’t ‘wing it’ when lives are on the line.”
The Need for Accurate Portrayal
While CBS and other networks strive for entertainment, critics argue they have a responsibility to balance fiction with realism, especially when dealing with subjects that reflect actual military or first responder experiences.
What TV Usually Gets Wrong About Bomb Scenes
Let’s break down the common tropes that get military experts rolling their eyes:
| TV Trope | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Ticking clock and beeping | Most real bombs are silent and give no visual warning |
| Red vs. Blue wire | Real bombs have complex circuits, not color-coded choices |
| Last-second save | Real techs disarm over hours, not seconds |
| Barehanded hero | Real EODs wear 60+ lbs of gear and use remote robots |
Should Shows Like This Hire Real Consultants?
The answer from the military community is a resounding yes.
Networks like HBO and Amazon often hire ex-military experts to advise on set for shows like SEAL Team or Jack Ryan. CBS has done this in the past — especially with NCIS — but not all series seem to follow suit.
Adding consultants could help shows:
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Avoid embarrassing inaccuracies
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Earn respect from real service members
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Deliver better, more believable drama
CBS Hasn’t Responded… Yet
At the time of writing, CBS has not issued a statement regarding the viral takedown or whether the series will adjust its portrayals going forward.
It remains to be seen if the network will address the growing feedback or double down on entertainment over realism.
Conclusion – Entertaining, Sure. Accurate? Not Even Close.
Bomb defusing scenes are meant to thrill — and they do. But as this viral critique shows, when TV takes too many liberties, it risks misrepresenting real heroes and spreading myths that are far from reality.
If you’re watching a CBS show and see a wire about to be clipped with 1 second left on the clock? “Yeah, you wish.”
❓FAQs
1. Which CBS show was the bomb scene from?
CBS hasn’t officially confirmed, but it’s believed to be from one of its newer procedural dramas or a recent NCISspinoff.
2. Are bomb countdowns a real thing?
In real life, most explosive devices don’t use visible countdowns — and certainly not dramatic timers with beeping sounds.
3. Who is the Navy tech calling out the scene?
He goes by @RealEODTech on social media — a verified former Navy EOD expert with real-world experience.
4. Has CBS responded to the criticism?
As of now, no official response has been made from the network.
5. Why does accuracy in TV bomb scenes matter?
It’s about respect, safety awareness, and truthful representation of high-risk real-world professions like EOD.
