Ep 5. Mexico

In Man, Woman, Wild season 1 episode 5, entitled "Mexico," viewers are taken on an adventure to the beautiful country of Mexico where survivalists Mykel Hawke and Ruth England brave extreme heat and danger in order to survive for five days in the wilderness.

The episode starts off with the couple explaining how necessary it is to find water as dehydration can quickly lead to death in a harsh environment such as this. They begin their search in a remote desert location with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As they walk, Ruth notices a cactus and they use it to quench their thirst, but Mykel explains that simply eating cactus can cause more harm than good as it can lead to diarrhea and nausea. So instead, they scrape the inside of the cactus and obtain some of its sap which is a good source of water.

As they continue their journey, they come across a dry creek bed which they hope may hold some water. However, after digging and searching for hours, they come up empty-handed. This leaves the couple in a precarious position as dehydration begins to set in. Ruth becomes dizzy and starts experiencing heat exhaustion which prompts them to take a break to rest and rehydrate.

The following day, they decide to venture deeper into the wilderness in search of a viable water source. They come across a pond and are initially ecstatic, but upon inspection, they realize that the water is salty and undrinkable. Mykel teaches Ruth how to create a solar still in order to obtain fresh water. They dig a hole and place a container in the center, then cover the hole with a plastic sheet. The sun heats the hole, and the plastic sheet condenses any moisture in the air which trickles down into the container. After a few hours, they have small amounts of pure drinking water.

Despite securing water, they still have to face the tough terrain and find food. They set their sights on catching reptiles. Ruth is uneasy about catching and eating animals, but Mykel persuades her that in a survival situation, it is necessary to do whatever it takes to stay alive. They create a trap using a plastic bottle and wait until they catch a lizard which they roast and consume.

Throughout their journey, they also encounter a series of predators including large snakes and venomous spiders. They are forced to be constantly aware of their surroundings and are seen constantly testing their survival skills, which make the episode all the more nerve-wracking.

As they navigate the harsh terrain, viewers get a chance to truly appreciate the beautiful scenery of Mexico. From the rugged desert landscape to the stunning vistas, the natural environment is a character in itself throughout the episode. Additionally, Ruth and Mykel's relationship evolves, and we get insight into their ability to work together while in an incredibly challenging situation.

Overall, episode 5 of Man, Woman, Wild is a thrilling episode that takes viewers on a journey through the stunning wilderness of Mexico. It showcases the highs and lows of survival in an extreme environment, and gives insight into the physical and mental toughness required to make it through. The show is both educational and entertaining, providing a unique perspective into what it truly takes to survive in the wild.