Ep 2. Episode 2
- July 20, 2018
In Dark Tourist season 1 episode 2, the viewer is taken on a journey to the island of Vanuatu, a place known for its natural beauty and vibrant culture. However, the episode takes a darker turn as host David Farrier explores the island's history and traditions surrounding death.
The episode opens with Farrier attending a funeral ceremony where he witnesses the island's unique approach to honoring their dead. He then meets with practitioners of "kastom," a blend of Christianity and traditional beliefs, who perform rituals to connect with the spirits of their ancestors. Farrier also visits a tribe who reveres the skull of their former chief, which is housed in a small hut and believed to have protective powers.
As the episode progresses, Farrier delves deeper into Vanuatu's history of cannibalism, visiting an area where it was once practiced. He meets with a man who shares stories of his ancestors consuming human flesh as part of a sacred ritual. Farrier also visits a man who claims to have witnessed a modern-day instance of cannibalism, further highlighting the uneasy relationship between the island's past and present.
The episode then shifts gears as Farrier explores Vanuatu's more lighthearted attractions, including a visit to a resort where visitors can experience the thrill of being buried alive as part of a traditional healing ceremony. Farrier also meets with a group of volunteers who work to preserve and maintain WWII relics on the island, including a plane wreck and an abandoned Japanese bunker.
Throughout the episode, Farrier grapples with the inherent discomfort of seeking out dark and potentially controversial tourism experiences. He questions his own motives and the ethics of such tourism, ultimately concluding that the desire to explore and understand different cultures and traditions is a deeply human trait.
Overall, Dark Tourist season 1 episode 2 offers a thought-provoking and at times unsettling look at Vanuatu's complex cultural history. The episode balances darker subject matter with moments of levity and insight, making for a compelling and engaging viewing experience.
