Planet Weird: Superpowers (Sky Nature, Sunday, February 2, 2025)

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Sky Nature’s “Planet Weird” isn’t your average nature documentary. Forget cuddly pandas and majestic lions. This series focuses on the truly bizarre, the oddballs of the animal kingdom, and the “Superpowers” episode is no exception. Narrated by comedian Ross Noble, whose dry wit provides a welcome counterpoint to the sometimes unsettling visuals, the show finds clever parallels between animal adaptations and the quirks of modern human life.

This week, we get a close-up look at creatures whose abilities seem almost otherworldly. Fireflies, for example, communicate through bioluminescent flashes, a language far more sophisticated than your average dating app swipe. Think of it as nature’s version of Morse code, but with a lot more romantic potential (and fewer unsolicited eggplant emojis).

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Then there’s the tarsier, a primate with eyes so large they seem disproportionate to its tiny body. These enormous peepers grant the tarsier exceptional night vision, turning the darkness into its hunting ground. It’s like having built-in night vision goggles, without the bulky headset and the need for batteries.

And let’s not forget the mantis shrimp, a creature whose punch packs the force of a .22 caliber bullet. Imagine the possibilities – no more passive-aggressive notes to noisy neighbors, just a swift, underwater jab and blessed silence.

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The episode also examines the saltwater crocodile’s unique ability to detect prey through pressure sensors. These sensors, located around the crocodile’s jaw, allow it to sense even the slightest ripples in the water, making stealth impossible for unsuspecting fish. It’s a bit like having a sixth sense, or perhaps just really, really good hearing.

“Planet Weird” manages to make the strange familiar, highlighting the ingenuity of evolution in a way that’s both informative and entertaining. Tune in to Sky Nature on Sunday, February 2, 2025, to witness these extraordinary animal abilities for yourself.

“Planet Weird” airs Sunday at 8 PM on Sky Nature.

Isabelle aka Izzy Jacobs is the features editor at memorabletv.com. Isabelle is particularly drawn to crime dramas, but she also has a not so secret love for all things reality TV. In addition to her work at memorabletv.com, Isabelle is also an avid traveler and a devoted foodie.