Ep 6. Bound and Buried

In this episode of the first season of Life After People: The Series, titled "Bound and Buried," viewers are taken on a journey to explore what would happen to some of America's most iconic and historically significant structures in the absence of human civilization. The episode specifically focuses on how the elements and natural processes would impact several famous buildings and landmarks.

The episode begins by examining the fate of the Library of Congress. With over 160 million items in its collection, the Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world. In the absence of humans, however, the building would be vulnerable to the elements and the collection would be left to slowly decay. The show explores the ways in which weathering, water damage, and mold would cause severe damage to the books and documents over time.

Next, the episode travels to New York City to examine the fate of the New York Public Library. The library's iconic facade, with its imposing marble lions, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. However, without humans to maintain the building's cooling and heating systems, the books inside would be at risk of damage from fluctuating temperatures. In addition, the building's granite exterior would slowly break down, leaving the lions to crumble and the once-historic facade to erode.

The episode then travels to Washington D.C. to explore what would happen to the National Mall without human intervention. The Mall is home to many of America's most iconic monuments and buildings, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Reflecting Pool. Without humans to maintain the structures and keep them clean, they would quickly fall into disrepair. The Reflecting Pool, for example, would eventually dry up and become a small, stagnant pond, while the Lincoln Memorial would be covered in moss and vines.

Finally, the episode explores the fate of the Empire State Building. The tower, which was once the tallest building in the world, is iconic for its art deco style and towering height. But without humans to turn on the building's lights and maintain power to the elevators, the tower would be a dark, silent relic of a bygone era. In addition, the building's steel and limestone exterior would eventually erode, leaving the building vulnerable to collapse.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visual effects that show how the buildings and landmarks would slowly decay and crumble without human intervention. The show also features interviews with experts in architecture and preservation who provide insight into the ways in which buildings can be maintained and preserved for future generations.

Overall, "Bound and Buried" is a fascinating exploration of what would happen to some of America's most beloved landmarks in the absence of humans. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving our historic buildings and landmarks for future generations to enjoy.