Another winter, another round of frostbite and existential crises for the hardy souls populating National Geographic’s Life Below Zero°. This week’s episode, “Return of the Herd,” finds our Alaskan protagonists facing the deepening grip of winter, and it looks like cabin fever might set in before the first blizzard even hits.
The preview hints at the usual blend of breathtaking scenery and gritty survival. We’re likely to see some caribou, possibly some tense moments involving dwindling supplies, and almost certainly a lot of pensive staring into the snowy expanse. Will anyone actually utter the words, “Winter is coming”? The smart money says yes.
This episode appears to focus on the mental game of long-term isolation. After all, it’s one thing to build a fire when it’s minus 20; it’s quite another to maintain your sanity when the sun sets at 3 p.m. and your only company is a sled dog named Sparky.
Let’s see how our intrepid Alaskans deal with the encroaching darkness, both literal and metaphorical. If previous seasons are any indication, there will be some impressive feats of resilience, some questionable decisions made under duress, and maybe even a flicker of unexpected humor.
Life Below Zero°: Return of the Herd airs Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET on National Geographic.
