Ep 3. Ransom in the Sky

In the exciting third episode of the ninth season of Expedition Unknown, we follow host Josh Gates on a high-flying adventure to one of the most remote regions in the world. The episode is titled "Ransom in the Sky," and it's an action-packed journey to the rugged mountains of Papua New Guinea.

The episode starts with Josh Gates recounting a fascinating tale of a genuine mystery with roots stretching back over 60 years. In 1961, a saltwater crocodile hunter named Reg Spriggs took off from the small remote town of Wau, located in the mountainous regions of Papua New Guinea. Spriggs would often fly his small plane over the thick jungle canopies in search of his elusive prey.

On that fateful day, while flying over the valley of the Jimi River, he was captured by a group of rebels, an experience that turned into a six-month ordeal before he was ultimately rescued. However, there was also a large ransom involved, which was paid, but the rest of the money was never recovered and was assumed to be hidden in the jungle.

The first half of the episode is spent exploring the history of Reg Spriggs and his abduction by the rebels. Josh translates the interviews he has throughout the episode, as many locals speak Pidgin, a language quite distinct from English. The story of Spriggs' kidnapping and subsequent hostage situation is genuinely incredible, and the episode does a great job of capturing that tension.

After relating the story of Reg Spriggs and his frantic efforts to escape his captors, the show fast-forwards sixty years to explain the reason for this remote adventure. Josh meets with Paul Harper, a treasure hunter who's been obsessed with uncovering the truth of where Spriggs lost Ransom money may be for many years.

Harper now has information that has brought him to the remote and jungle-covered town of Bulolo, and he's convinced that he's discovered a vital piece of evidence that will lead him to the lost fortune. The episode follows Harper and Gates searching deep into the jungle for clues to Spriggs' secret stash.

Throughout the episode, it's obvious that Josh Gates is enjoying himself and is excited to explore a new region of the world. He's in awe of the incredibly dense jungle, which blocks the sunlight and makes for difficult trekking through the dense vegetation.

During the course of their hike, they encounter unexpected setbacks and external factors that add to the ever-growing mystery of the Spriggs' tale. All the while, Josh's positive attitude and sense of humor keep the show lighthearted and engaging.

One of the most exciting segments of the episode is when they fly over the jungle terrain in small helicopter portraying the exact flying routes that Spriggs would have taken while exploring the jungle canopy for the rebel group. This establishes a strong visual concept of the wild landscapes that the episode is set in and helps you appreciate the depth of the jungle canopy from the air.

Overall, "Ransom in the Sky" is a thoroughly engaging episode and a testament to the show's ability to capture the true spirit of discovery and adventure. With Josh Gates as the iconic personality that he is, the episode is packed with action, drama, and even a little bit of humor. Watching the events unfold through the Pidgin dialect adds an extra layer of mystery and excitement.

The real draw of the episode, however, is the exploration of a remote and forgotten corner of the world, full of history and wild adventure waiting to be uncovered. Between the incredible scenery and intriguing recounting of Spriggs' story, viewers can join on what will be an unforgettable journey.