Winter’s grip is finally loosening its hold on Alaska, and the return of daylight brings new opportunities and challenges for the residents of “Life Below Zero°.” This week’s episode, “The Rat Race,” focuses on the residents’ adaptations to the changing weather patterns. Will they be able to seize the fleeting opportunities presented by the warmer weather, or will they be caught off guard by unexpected storms and thaws?
Now, I’ve always had a grudging respect for the folks on this show. They endure some of the harshest conditions imaginable, relying on their ingenuity and resilience to survive.
I’m hoping “The Rat Race” will highlight the residents’ resourcefulness and their deep connection to the land, rather than just dwelling on the difficulties of their lifestyle. Will they be successful in their hunting and fishing efforts? Will they be able to repair their cabins and prepare for the next long winter? These are the questions that keep me tuning in, season after season.
“Life Below Zero°: The Rat Race” airs Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 9:00 PM on National Geographic.