Ep 10. The Monster

In the season 4 episode 10 of Life Below Zero: Next Generation, titled "The Monster," we continue to follow the lives of Alaskans who have chosen to live off the grid in some of the most remote and unforgiving parts of the state.

As winter sets in, the challenges of survival become even greater. Temperatures drop to below freezing, snow falls heavily, and winds pick up, making it difficult to even step outside. Hunting, fishing, and gathering become more challenging, and the threat of starvation and hypothermia looms.

In this episode, we follow two families as they face these challenges head-on. First, we meet the Wark family, who are living in the remote Brooks Range. The patriarch, Tyler, is a veteran hunter and trapper who has lived in Alaska for most of his life. His wife Ashley and their two children, 10-year-old Aiden and 3-year-old Aria, are also adapting to life in the wilderness.

The Warks are facing a problem that is common in the Alaskan wilderness - the threat of predators. In particular, the family is worried about a grizzly bear that has been spotted in the area. Tyler and his son Aiden set out to check their traps in the snow, but they are constantly on the lookout for the bear.

Meanwhile, Ashley is left back at their cabin, where she is struggling to keep the fire going and the children warm while dealing with an unexpected emergency. This shows just how difficult day-to-day life can be in the wilderness, where the family must be prepared for anything.

Next, we meet the Lewis family, who live in the remote village of Noorvik in northwestern Alaska. The family is made up of grandparents Willie and Dora, their daughter Eva, and her children, 14-year-old Etienne and 12-year-old Seth.

Willie is a talented and experienced hunter, but this winter, he's facing a new challenge. The river that he usually hunts on has frozen over, making it difficult to access his traps. To make matters worse, the family's snowmobile is broken, leaving them without a way to travel.

Despite these obstacles, the Lewis family is determined to survive. Willie, Eva, and the children set out on a long journey on foot to reach Willie's traps on the other side of the frozen river. The journey is long and treacherous, but the family's determination and resilience shine through.

Throughout the episode, we see just how challenging life in the Alaskan wilderness can be. But we also see a sense of community and camaraderie among those living off the grid. From sharing food and supplies to offering a helping hand, these Alaskans know they must work together to survive.

Overall, "The Monster" is a gripping and tense episode of Life Below Zero: Next Generation that highlights the resilience and determination of those living in one of the harshest environments on earth.