Ep 1. Greenhorns

The show Deadliest Catch is a reality TV series that follows the lives of crab fishermen who brave the harsh waters of the Bering Sea to catch the prized king crab. Season 1 episode 1, titled "Greenhorns," introduces viewers to the captains and crews of several crab fishing vessels as they prepare to embark on their dangerous journey.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the fishing industry in Alaska and the high demand for king crab in the United States. We are then introduced to Captain Sig Hansen, who owns and operates the Northwestern, a 125-foot fishing vessel that has been in his family for generations. Captain Sig is an experienced fisherman and highly respected in the industry. He is joined by his crew, which includes his brother Edgar and two greenhorns, Jake and Matt.

The episode also introduces us to Captain Phil Harris, who captains the Cornelia Marie, and his crew, which includes his two sons, Josh and Jake. Captain Phil is a gruff but likable character who takes pride in being one of the top crab fishermen in the fleet.

Next, we meet Captain Johnathan Hillstrand, who captains the Time Bandit, and his crew, which includes his brother Andy and a greenhorn named Scott. Captain Johnathan is known for his aggressive fishing tactics and has a reputation for being one of the most successful crab fishermen in the fleet.

We are then introduced to the final crew, which is led by Captain Keith Colburn, who captains the Wizard. Captain Keith is a no-nonsense captain who has little patience for mistakes. His crew includes his brother, Monte, and two greenhorns, Lenny and Jason.

As the crews prepare to set out to sea, tensions are high. The greenhorns are nervous, and the captains are all feeling the pressure to catch a large amount of crab. The first step in the process is to "stack the pots," which involves loading the large, steel crab traps onto the deck of the boats using a hydraulic crane. The pots are stacked two or three high, and each boat will carry between 120 and 200 pots.

Once the pots are loaded, the boats set out to sea. The conditions are rough, with large waves and icy winds, making it difficult for the crew to work. The first challenge the crews face is finding a good spot to drop their pots. The captains use their experience and intuition to determine the best location, and the crew works together to lower the pots into the water.

The next step is to "run the string," which involves checking each pot to see if it contains any crab. This is a labor-intensive process that requires the crew to work around the clock. The pots are hauled up from the ocean using a hydraulic winch, and the crew quickly sorts through them to remove any crab caught inside.

As the episode progresses, we see the crews facing a variety of challenges, including equipment malfunctions, dangerous sea conditions, and the constant pressure to catch as much crab as possible. We also get to know the crews on a personal level, learning about their families and the sacrifices they make to do this dangerous work.

Overall, episode 1 of Deadliest Catch season 1, "Greenhorns," is a thrilling introduction to the world of crab fishing in the Bering Sea. The stunning visuals of the icy waters and rugged landscape, combined with the personal stories of the captains and crews, make for a gripping and emotional viewing experience.