Ep 5. Battle of the Bridge

In season 3 episode 5 of Gold Rush: Alaska, titled "Battle of the Bridge," tensions continue to escalate between the Hoffman crew and their rivals at the Big Nugget Mine. The episode kicks off with Todd Hoffman and his team attempting to install a bridge across the creek, which will give them easier access to the gold-rich bedrock on the other side.

However, as they work on the installation, tensions begin to rise between the two crews. Parker Schnabel, who runs the Big Nugget Mine, claims that the bridge is being installed in a location that is dangerous and could potentially be damaging to the environment. Todd, on the other hand, accuses Parker of trying to sabotage their efforts.

As the argument heats up, tensions boil over and a near-physical altercation breaks out between the two crews. It's clear that there is no love lost between these two groups, and the battle for gold is taking its toll on everyone involved.

Despite the drama, both crews continue to work towards their ultimate goal: finding as much gold as possible. The Hoffman crew begins to use a large excavator to dig down to bedrock, hoping to find a rich vein of gold. Meanwhile, Parker Schnabel and his team are also hard at work, using a dredge to sift through large amounts of dirt and rock in search of the precious metal.

As the episode progresses, the two crews continue to clash over logistics, safety concerns, and even the use of heavy machinery. It's clear that both teams are feeling the pressure to succeed, but with their tempers flaring and personalities clashing, it's anyone's guess who will come out on top.

Despite the challenges, there are some small victories for both teams. The Hoffman crew manages to successfully install their bridge and begins to dig down to bedrock, while Parker and his team find a promising amount of gold in their first batch of dirt.

As the episode draws to a close, tensions seem to have settled somewhat between the two crews, but it's clear that the battle for gold will continue to be a fiercely competitive one. With both teams hungry for success and unwilling to back down, the season promises to offer plenty of drama and excitement for fans of the show.