Graboids, Guts, and Glory: The Joy of Binge-Watching Tremors and Why Michael Gross as Burt Gummer Is Peak Awesome
Alright, stock up on snacks (and maybe some dynamite), and settle in for a wild, worm-filled ride through the desert of Perfection, Nevada. We’re talking about binge-watching the Tremors franchise—all seven movies, a TV series, and enough subterranean shenanigans to make you rethink your next hike. At the heart of this gloriously chaotic saga is Michael Gross as Burt Gummer, the gun-toting, paranoid survivalist who’s part Rambo, part conspiracy theorist, and all badass. This is your guide to the pure, unfiltered joy of marathoning Tremors and why Gross’s performance is the kind of legend that deserves its own monument. So grab your boomstick (or a remote), and let’s dive into the graboid-infested glory of Tremors—philosophical mishaps, desert disasters, and all.
Why Binge-Watching Tremors Is a Glorious Adventure
The Tremors franchise, kicking off in 1990 and slithering through 2020, is a love letter to B-movie chaos—think low-budget effects, over-the-top characters, and a premise so absurd it’s genius: giant, underground, man-eating worms called Graboids. Binge-watching all seven films (plus the short-lived 2003 series) is like a camping trip gone gloriously wrong: messy, ridiculous, and packed with stories you’ll be retelling for years. Here’s why it’s a must:
Pure B-Movie Bliss: Tremors doesn’t pretend to be high art. It’s got shaky CGI, questionable science, and enough plot holes to drive a monster truck through. But like a soggy tent in a rainstorm, it’s the imperfections that make it epic.
Escalating Insanity: From a single Graboid in the first film to mutant monsters, flying Ass-Blasters, and Arctic worms by the later sequels, the series keeps upping the ante like a drunk uncle at a campfire poker game.
Burt Gummer, the Legend: Michael Gross’s Burt is the glue holding this madness together. He’s the guy you want in your corner when the ground starts rumbling—a survivalist icon who makes every scene a masterclass in rolling with the chaos.
The Tremors Marathon: A Graboid-Fueled Journey
Tremors (1990) – The OG Desert Disaster
What’s It About?: A tiny Nevada town (Perfection, population 14) discovers it’s sitting on a nest of Graboids—giant, blind, worm-like monsters that hunt by sound. Handyman Val (Kevin Bacon) and survivalist Burt Gummer (Michael Gross) lead the fight to survive, armed with guns, guts, and questionable plans. And of course let’s not forget about Fred Ward, who just makes every movie better, maybe another blog post about Fred in the future.
Why It’s Awesome: This is the film that started it all, blending horror, comedy, and small-town charm like a perfect s’more. The practical effects (those Graboid puppets!) are gloriously tactile, and the pacing is tighter than Burt’s ammo belt. Gross steals every scene as Burt, a paranoid prepper who’s ready for World War III but not quite prepared for worms. His deadpan delivery and “what the hell is that?” energy make him the ultimate everyman hero.
Burt’s Glory Moment: When Burt and his wife Heather (Reba McEntire) unleash an arsenal on a Graboid in their basement, it’s a love letter to firepower and marital teamwork. Burt’s “Broke into the wrong goddamn rec room, didn’t ya!” is a campfire quote for the ages.
Rolling With It Vibe: The whole town’s plans go sideways—trapped on roofs, stuck in cars—but Burt rolls with it, turning a monster attack into a survivalist’s wet dream.
Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996) – Graboids Get Greedy
What’s It About?: Earl (Fred Ward) and new sidekick Grady (Christopher Gartin) hunt Graboids in Mexico for cash, only to discover the worms now spawn Shriekers—heat-seeking, above-ground monsters. Burt’s called in as backup, and his military precision saves the day.
Why It’s Awesome: This sequel leans harder into comedy, with cheaper effects but bigger laughs. Gross’s Burt evolves from side character to full-on action hero, rocking a beret and enough guns to make Rambo jealous. His obsession with preparation (and his “I’m always prepared!” shtick) is peak Campbell-esque swagger, turning every worm fight into a one-man show.
Burt’s Glory Moment: Burt mowing down Shriekers with an anti-aircraft gun while screaming about government conspiracies is pure, unfiltered awesome.
Rolling With It Vibe: When the Graboids evolve into Shriekers, Burt doesn’t flinch—he just grabs a bigger gun. It’s the kind of “screw it, let’s roll” attitude that makes mishaps legendary.
Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001) – Ass-Blasters and Absurdity
What’s It About?: Burt returns to Perfection to find Graboids, Shriekers, and new flying monsters called Ass-Blasters (yes, really) wreaking havoc. He teams up with locals to protect the town, all while dodging federal bureaucrats trying to save the “endangered” worms.
Why It’s Awesome: This direct-to-video gem cranks the absurdity to 11. The effects are shoddier, the plot’s a fever dream, but Gross’s Burt is a national treasure—grumpier, crazier, and somehow more lovable. His deadpan rants about government overreach and his DIY explosives make every scene a riot.
Burt’s Glory Moment: Burt rigging a truck full of fireworks to take out an Ass-Blaster is the kind of chaotic genius that deserves a standing ovation. He’s not just fighting monsters; he’s fighting bureaucracy, and he’s winning.
Rolling With It Vibe: When the feds try to shut down his worm-hunting operation, Burt just doubles down, proving that red tape is no match for a man with a plan and a detonator.
Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004) – Old West, New Worms
What’s It About?: A prequel set in 1889, where Burt’s ancestor Hiram Gummer (Gross again) battles Graboids in a mining town. Hiram’s a foppish city slicker who becomes a reluctant hero, complete with a mustache that screams “I’m fancy but dangerous.”
Why It’s Awesome: Gross playing a prissy proto-Burt is a delight, showing off his range while still delivering the survivalist vibes. The Western setting adds a fresh twist, and the low-budget charm keeps things gloriously unpolished. It’s like Army of Darkness with worms instead of skeletons.
Burt’s Glory Moment: Hiram going from “I need my valet!” to blasting Graboids with a Gatling gun is the character arc we didn’t know we needed. Gross nails the transformation with a twinkle in his eye.
Rolling With It Vibe: When Hiram’s civilized plans crumble in the face of monster worms, he adapts, proving the Gummer family was born to roll with chaos.
Tremors 5: Bloodlines (2015) to Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018) and Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020) – Burt Goes Global
What’s It About?: These later sequels send Burt to South Africa, Canada, and a tropical island, battling evolved Graboids and Shriekers with new sidekicks (including Jamie Kennedy as his son, Travis). The plots get wilder—think mutant worms, tax issues, and Burt as a reality TV star.
Why It’s Awesome: The budgets are tighter, the CGI’s wonkier, but Gross’s Burt is the constant, carrying these films with his grizzled charm. He’s older, crankier, and still slinging one-liners like a desert philosopher. The series leans into its own absurdity, embracing B-movie roots with a grin.
Burt’s Glory Moment: In Shrieker Island, Burt’s final stand against a Graboid queen is both epic and bittersweet, with Gross delivering a performance that’s equal parts badass and heartfelt. It’s a campfire story that’ll make you cheer and tear up.
Rolling With It Vibe: Whether he’s dodging IRS agents or Arctic Graboids, Burt keeps fighting, proving that age, budget cuts, or ridiculous plots can’t stop a Gummer.
Tremors: The Series (2003) – Small-Screen Survival
What’s It About?: A 13-episode show set in Perfection, with Burt leading a quirky crew against Graboids, Shriekers, and other mutants while dealing with tourists and government meddling.
Why It’s Awesome: It’s Tremors in bite-sized doses, with Gross as the grumpy heart of the show. The low-budget effects and episodic format feel like a campfire serial, and Burt’s rants about “the system” are pure gold.
Burt’s Glory Moment: Burt training townsfolk to fight monsters like a drill sergeant is peak Gummer—half survivalist, half sitcom dad.
Rolling With It Vibe: The show’s cancellation after one season didn’t faze Gross—he kept the Tremors flame alive, proving he’s as resilient as Burt.
Why Michael Gross as Burt Gummer Is the Ultimate Campfire Hero
Michael Gross’s portrayal of Burt Gummer is the beating heart of Tremors, turning a side character into a franchise icon. Here’s why he’s peak awesome:
He’s the Everyman Badass: Like Bruce Campbell’s Ash, Burt’s a regular guy (okay, a paranoid one) who rises to the occasion. Whether he’s a hardware clerk or a survivalist guru, Gross makes Burt relatable, hilarious, and heroic.
He Owns the Chaos: From fighting worms with an elephant gun to rigging explosives in a junkyard, Burt rolls with every disaster, turning mishaps into victories. Gross’s deadpan delivery and manic energy make every scene a masterclass in embracing the mess.
He’s the King of Commitment: Gross could’ve phoned it in for the sequels, but he dives into every film with the gusto of a man who believes Graboids are real. His love for the role shines through, making even the weakest entries (looking at you, Tremors 6) watchable.
He’s a Storyteller’s Dream: Burt’s rants, quips, and “what the hell” moments are tailor-made for campfire retellings. Lines like “I feel I was denied critical, need-to-know information!” are the kind of zingers that echo around a firepit.
Gross’s Burt is the guy you want at your campsite when the ground starts shaking—prepared, sarcastic, and ready to blow something up. He’s the embodiment of rolling with it, turning every Graboid attack into a story worth telling.