I am back for the second installment of my Alone - The Arctic review.
So far, my wife and I have watched two episodes for each of the last two nights. We probably would have watched more, but we need our sleep. Since we don't have to worry about roaming wildlife and arctic weather, we just turned off the tv, closed our eyes in our warm bed, and now patiently wait for our next viewing time.
This post contains spoilers!!! Proceed with caution!!!
Some Background Information
You can skip this section if you are familiar with the show or have read my prior review.
Alone is currently airing its sixth season. The show's premise is to outlast all of your competitors while living in a challenging, remote location. Some contestants talk about how they want to prove themselves and their survival skills, but I guess that the half-million-dollar prize would be life-changing.
The location for this season is in the Arctic. Each contestant is placed at a remote location about 75 miles south of the Arctic tree line.
Each contestant is responsible for carrying up to 65 lbs of camera equipment at any given time. The contestants are really alone (no camera people). In addition to camera equipment, every contestant is allowed to bring 10 survival items.
An emergency radio is also provided. If there is a medical emergency or a contestant chooses not to be "alone" any longer, the contestant may "tap out" by radioing a team for pickup.
The Alone Disclaimer
This Program Features Trained Survival Experts
Do Not Attempt Yourself
Viewer Discretion Is Advised
Quote of the Episode
Laws change; people die; the land remains.
~Abraham Lincoln
Beginning of Episode
9 Contestants - Day 6
Contestants in the Episode
| Name | Age | Home Town |
|---|---|---|
| Donny | 38 | Monument, CO |
| Jordan | 35 | Lynchburg, VA |
| Nikki | 44 | Echo Bay, Canada |
| Ray | 42 | Vancouver, WA |
| Nikki | 44 | Echo Bay, Canada |
| Michelle | 31 | Mullingar, Canda |
Highlights
- Donny's shelter is up and looking nice. He insulated the sides with sphagnum moss. Now he is working on a "rabbit stick," which he can use while hunting. If thrown with the right amount of force, a rabbit stick can break the leg of a large deer.
- Nikki enjoyed sleeping in late. She likes that no schedule defines her day and that she can use the time any way she wants. Very different was the modern life that is driven by appointments and scheduled meetings!
- After six longs days without catching a single fish, Ray finally catches a lake trout. Winter has not even hit hard, and many of the contestants are struggling to find food. Ray notices that the swim bladder is filled with worms. Even the victories on Alone come with challenges.
- Donny shoots a muskrat with an arrow. Every time a contestant harvests food, they are super excited. Donny is ready for a meal! (25 grams of protein per 1/4 pound cooked muskrat.)
- Michelle pretends to be a local weather forecaster for Channel Six. Her recommendation? Cut firewood!
Challenges
- Contestants need to brace for the colder weather that is coming. Winter temperatures in the Arctic average -15 degrees Fahrenheit but can drop as log as -60 degrees.
- One contestant struggles with an assigned location that has limited greenery. This location looks like an island during high tide, and the mainland closest to the island appears to have been devasted by recent fires.
- While crafting a mechanism to catch mice, one contest cuts their hand. Fortunately, every contestant is supplied a medical kit, but with the rough terrain and unclean conditions, any wound could lead to an infection.
- One contestant gets sick after enjoying a big meal (any meal is big in the Arctic).
- Steaming Socks! Wearing rubber boots is great for keeping the water out and equally great for keeping the sweat in. Contestants are in a constant battle of staying warm without sweating.
- One contestant "taps out" in order not to risk further health deterioration. A past medical condition is a driving force for the decision.
Final Thoughts
Some people are playing for the money. Others want the money but are mostly driven by the experience.
In the end, every contestant has to decide whether or not the money is worth it. Life is a collection of small and large decisions. If we take one path, we can't take the other. Sometimes the path is straight. Other times it is curvy.
But every person has to decide and live with the challenges and joy of our individual paths.
By The End of The Episode
8 Contestants - Day 8
I want to hear from you
- What would you do with half a million dollars?
- If you were on a reality tv show, would you be motivated by the experience/personal growth or the money?
Thanks for stopping by!
@SumatraNate