The Curse of Oak Island

Piling On is a one‑off episode of the British investigative series that’s been slipping under the radar. It stars veteran presenter Claire Whitaker, with a cameo from archaeologist Dr Elliot Grafton and a cheeky cameo by comedian Tom “Bazza” Hargreaves. The set‑up is simple: a secret tunnel discovered beneath the Garden Shaft, a location that’s already the stuff of local legend, and a team that’s itching to get a foot in the door. The plot follows the crew as they map the claustrophobic passage and stumble on a fresh theory linking the mysterious “Nolan’s Cross” to the Knights Templar. Think of it as a blend of “The Da Vinci Code” and a bit of “Ancient Aliens”, but with more British dry humour and less Hollywood gloss. The episode teases a possible hidden manuscript, a series of cryptic carvings and a tension‑filled race to prove the theory before the tunnel collapses – all without giving away the final twist. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good for a TV slot. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, and the CGI of the tunnel feels a touch ropy, yet the on‑screen chemistry and Whitaker’s dead‑pan narration keep you glued. If you enjoy modest, puzzle‑driven mysteries with a dash of historical speculation, it’s worth a watch; if you’re after slick, high‑budget drama, you might feel a little let down. Rated 12, with mild suspense and occasional tense moments – nothing too graphic, but the claustrophobic setting could unsettle younger viewers. This is the first terrestrial showing of the episode, originally aired on a niche cable channel in ’22, and it’s now making its way to a broader audience. Grab a cuppa, settle in, and see if the Templar link holds any water.