After five equally brilliant episodes, though "Europe" was slightly less illuminating and doesn't stand out quite as much as the others, expectations were very high for "North America". It will be admitted that there was no doubt that it wouldn't disappoint, in David Attenborough documentaries the quality of all the episodes forming every one of the documentaries (regardless of whether he is at its very best or most ground-breaking) has always been consistent with each other.
"North America" has the most conflict perhaps of all seven episodes of 'Seven Worlds, One Planet'. Yes, even more so than the quite brutal conflict with the male oxen in "Europe". It is also perhaps the episode where the animals in question have to face the most challenges, and the episode is full of these challenges and goodness are they not easy. So there are times where it is not the easiest of watches, yet again the series often is unsettling and never trivialises so that was not unexpected.
Regarding all the conflict, there is a lot of it and it is quite unsettling. And it is not just with the prairie dog and burrowing owls trying to protect their young from badgers, or the hunt for snowshoe hares. But also the animals facing challenges in extreme seasonal change for instance, like tornadoes and the Arctic air. It is amazing though how they deal with the challenges, like how the polar bears adapt to warmer summers.
There are a few other interesting methods of survival, the bricklaying fish being another standout. One of 'Seven Worlds, One Planet's' loveliest scenes, a moment of calm and cuteness amidst intensity and adversity, is that showing the cubs' beachcombing skills. Slight but just adorable. The series is full of dazzling photography, landscapes to take the breath away and memorable individual images.
Of course "North America" is no exception, with it having two of my favourite visual scenes of the whole series being the underwater pyramids and especially the nocturnal lit up fireflies (a thing of sheer beauty that). The music is both grand and intimate, without feeling too loud and it didn't sound discordant with the action. Once again, what is presented is immensely engaging and informative, as well as very thoughtfully written. Attenborough has one of those voices that is immediately recognisable and one that one would happily listen to for hours, he speaks in a way that one can tell that he knows what he is talking about.
In conclusion, doesn't disappoint in any way. 10/10
"North America" has the most conflict perhaps of all seven episodes of 'Seven Worlds, One Planet'. Yes, even more so than the quite brutal conflict with the male oxen in "Europe". It is also perhaps the episode where the animals in question have to face the most challenges, and the episode is full of these challenges and goodness are they not easy. So there are times where it is not the easiest of watches, yet again the series often is unsettling and never trivialises so that was not unexpected.
Regarding all the conflict, there is a lot of it and it is quite unsettling. And it is not just with the prairie dog and burrowing owls trying to protect their young from badgers, or the hunt for snowshoe hares. But also the animals facing challenges in extreme seasonal change for instance, like tornadoes and the Arctic air. It is amazing though how they deal with the challenges, like how the polar bears adapt to warmer summers.
There are a few other interesting methods of survival, the bricklaying fish being another standout. One of 'Seven Worlds, One Planet's' loveliest scenes, a moment of calm and cuteness amidst intensity and adversity, is that showing the cubs' beachcombing skills. Slight but just adorable. The series is full of dazzling photography, landscapes to take the breath away and memorable individual images.
Of course "North America" is no exception, with it having two of my favourite visual scenes of the whole series being the underwater pyramids and especially the nocturnal lit up fireflies (a thing of sheer beauty that). The music is both grand and intimate, without feeling too loud and it didn't sound discordant with the action. Once again, what is presented is immensely engaging and informative, as well as very thoughtfully written. Attenborough has one of those voices that is immediately recognisable and one that one would happily listen to for hours, he speaks in a way that one can tell that he knows what he is talking about.
In conclusion, doesn't disappoint in any way. 10/10
