Ep 1. Keep On Truckin'

Jade Fever has returned for its seventh season, and episode one, Keep On Truckin', wastes no time diving back into the hectic world of jade mining in Northern British Columbia. The show follows the Bunce family, who run the aptly named Jade City, a tiny community built around their jade mine. The season opener sees patriarch Claudia Bunce and his sons Josh and Justin dealing with the aftermath of a tough winter that saw their mining equipment hit by a freak snowstorm.

The episode kicks off with some stunning aerial shots of Jade City, showing off the picturesque location and rugged terrain of the area. We're quickly introduced to the family's main challenge for the season—the damage to their mining truck caused by the snowstorm. As Claudia notes, "when your truck goes down, your operation goes down," so getting it up and running again becomes the top priority. But as they start to pull apart the truck, it becomes clear that the repairs will be more time-consuming and difficult than they initially thought.

Meanwhile, the rest of the family is tasked with keeping the mine running, which proves to be a headache in itself. Jade Fever is notorious for the often-comic mishaps that plague the Bunce family, and season seven looks set to continue that trend. From equipment malfunctions to unexpected encounters with wildlife, the family is kept on their toes throughout the day.

One of the standout moments of the episode comes when Claudia takes a close look at some raw jade. The stone is still covered in dirt and debris, and Claudia's expert eye is needed to determine its potential value. It's fascinating to watch as he carefully inspects the rock, looking for signs of quality and estimating its worth. As he says, "you can't sell what you can't see," which sums up the mindset required to succeed in this challenging industry.

Another highlight of the episode is the stunning cinematography, which does an excellent job of showcasing the beauty of the region. Shots of the snow-capped mountains contrast nicely with the vivid green of the surrounding forests, and there are some breathtaking aerial shots that give you a real sense of the scale of the Bunce family's operation.

As the episode draws to a close, tensions start to rise as the repairs to the mining truck continue to cause problems. But true to form, the Bunce family refuses to be beaten, and they come up with a creative solution to keep the mine running. It's a testament to their grit and determination, and it sets the stage for what looks to be another explosive season of Jade Fever.

Overall, Keep On Truckin' is a fantastic start to Jade Fever season seven. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or a newcomer to the world of jade mining, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this episode. The Bunce family is as endearing and entertaining as ever, and the stunning setting of Northern British Columbia makes for a truly captivating backdrop to their adventures.