Ep 9. Depths of Destruction

In Life After People: The Series season 2 episode 9, titled "Depths of Destruction," viewers are taken on a journey through the devastating effects of a world without humans on the oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. As the episode begins, we are reminded that humans have always had a significant impact on the ocean, from overfishing to pollution. But what happens when we're no longer around to control these factors?

The episode explores the different stages of destruction that would occur in the ocean in the absence of humans. It starts with the immediate impact of abandoned ships and oil rigs. We see how these massive structures quickly become a hotbed for life, with schools of fish and other creatures setting up home in the hulls and crevices. But as time goes on and these structures start to rust and corrode, they become a major threat to marine life. The toxic materials they leak can cause massive damage, and there isn't anyone around to stop it.

But it's not just artificial structures that pose a threat. The effects of climate change start to amplify, and the ocean warms up and becomes more acidic. This has a massive impact on marine life, with coral reefs and krill populations being particularly vulnerable. As the show highlights, krill is the base of the food chain in the ocean, and the loss of this tiny creature would have repercussions throughout the entire ecosystem.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to predators. Without humans to maintain fish stocks, populations of large marine creatures like sharks and whales begin to recover. But as the experts on the show explain, this isn't necessarily a good thing. With a lack of prey, these animals start to turn on each other, with killer whales attacking and killing great whites. The show also explores the impact of mass strandings, with experts discussing the various theories as to why this phenomenon occurs.

Despite the destruction caused by the absence of humans, there are still some areas of the ocean that thrive. The episode takes us to places like the Sargasso Sea, which is a large patch of open water in the middle of the Atlantic. Because of the unique conditions here, a diverse range of creatures have evolved, from sea turtles to the elusive sargassum fish. The show highlights how this area could become a refuge for marine life, a place where creatures can thrive even in a world without humans.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of underwater life and the incredible creatures that inhabit the oceans. We see giant squids, schools of hammerhead sharks, and pods of dolphins, all existing in a world without humans. While there's no doubt that the absence of humanity has caused immense damage to the ocean, the show also highlights the resilience of these creatures and the remarkable ecosystems that exist beneath the surface.

Overall, "Depths of Destruction" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of Life After People: The Series. It explores the ways in which our absence would impact the oceans and the life within them, and serves as a stark reminder of our responsibility to protect these vital ecosystems. Despite the bleak outlook presented in parts of the episode, it's ultimately a hopeful message - life finds a way, even in the most challenging circumstances.