Ep 4. The Crooke & The Tangler

The Crooke and The Tangler is the fourth episode of the ninth season of Deadliest Catch - a reality TV series that portrays the adventures of commercial crab fishermen in the Bering Sea. In this episode, the main focus is on the captains and crews of the Cornelia Marie and the Northwestern, who are both dealing with unique challenges as they try to fill their quotas.

The Cornelia Marie is captained by Josh Harris, who is leading the boat for the first time after the tragic death of his father, Phil Harris. With a crew of greenhorns, Josh is struggling to find his footing as he faces numerous setbacks. First, the boat's hydraulic system breaks down, causing them to be unable to retrieve their pots. As the crew works tirelessly to fix the system, they also have to grapple with unpredictable weather conditions and rough seas. Hauling in each pot of crab becomes a dangerous and back-breaking task.

Despite these challenges, the Cornelia Marie presses on, hoping to catch up to the Northwestern, which is currently leading the pack. The Northwestern is captained by Sig Hansen, a veteran crab fisherman who has been at the helm of the boat for over two decades. However, even with his vast experience, Sig and his crew are contending with their own set of difficulties. One of their crew members, Jake Anderson, is struggling with addiction, and Sig is torn between wanting to help him and needing every member of his team to be at their best.

The episode highlights the stressful and perilous conditions that these fishermen work under as they compete to pull in the most crab in a limited time frame. The tensions between the captains and their crew are palpable as they face setbacks and make tough decisions. The episode also shows the human side of these rugged fishermen, who are often away from their families for months at a time. In one poignant moment, Josh Harris breaks down as he talks about the huge shadow his father casts over the Cornelia Marie and how challenging it is to step into his shoes.

As the episode reaches its climax, both the Cornelia Marie and the Northwestern are racing to fill their quotas before the season ends. The crews endure long hours of back-breaking labor and face treacherous conditions on deck. With their fates tied to the unpredictable Bering Sea, anything can happen, and the consequences of a single mistake can be deadly. The episode ends in suspense as we are left wondering which boat will come out on top.

Overall, The Crooke & The Tangler is a riveting episode that showcases the harsh realities of commercial crab fishing. It highlights the risks that these fishermen take and the physical and emotional toll that it has on them. Deadliest Catch is a fascinating series that provides a rare glimpse into the lives of these hardworking men and women who are braving the elements to put food on our tables.