Ep 1. Homeland

As the first episode of the hit documentary TV series Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns season 1 starts, viewers are introduced to Captain Sig Hansen and his crew of the F/V Northwestern, one of the most successful fishing vessels that operates in the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. After being sidelined due to health issues for the previous season, Captain Sig returns to lead his team of fishermen in their quest for king crab and opilio crab on the icy ocean.

The episode, titled "Homeland," focuses on the emotional journey of Sig as he returns to his home state of Washington after a difficult year. With the decline of the fishing industry and the COVID-19 pandemic hitting hard, Sig finds it hard to keep his head above water. Being unable to fish has only added to his stress levels. The episode portrays his struggle to cope up with the changes happening around him.

As the Northwestern gears up for the new crab season, the deckhands led by Edgar, Sig's younger brother, are tasked with overhauling the vessel to ensure it is ready for the challenges to come. The crew's camaraderie and dedication to their craft are on full display as they work tirelessly in the shipyard to replace worn-out equipment, fix dents and broken parts, and paint the boat's hull to prevent corrosion.

Eventually, the Northwestern sets sail for the Bering Sea, where the crew must navigate through treacherous waters, face extreme weather conditions, and battle against other fishermen to catch elusive crabs worth millions of dollars.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into what it's like to live and work aboard a fishing boat in one of the world's most dangerous jobs. We get to see the emotional toll it takes on the crew as they spend days and nights away from their families, battling seasickness, and constantly facing the risk of injury or death.

Each moment on board the vessel is captured by the production team's camera, allowing viewers to experience the crew's journey from a unique perspective. From hair-raising moments where the deckhands reel in their catch to quieter scenes of the crew reflecting on their lives, Deadliest Catch: The Viking Returns season 1 episode 1 shows the human side of the people who make their living at sea.

As the episode comes to a close, the Northwestern reaches the fishing grounds, and the crew prepares the pots for setting. We are left with Sig's voiceover, reflecting on the beauty of the Bering Sea, the importance of crab fishing in the region and the significance the job has for him and his family.

Overall, the first episode of the new season of Deadliest Catch is an engaging and emotional journey that showcases the strength and resilience of the fishermen who brave the deadly waters of the Bering Sea. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in getting an inside look at the fishing industry's challenges, dangers, and rewards.