Ep 11. Ocean Deep

The eleventh episode of Planet Earth's first season is titled "Ocean Deep" and it takes the viewer on a mesmerizing journey through the depths of the world's oceans. The episode showcases the vast and diverse marine life that exists in the deepest and darkest corners of the ocean that humans have barely explored.

The episode starts by introducing the vastness of the oceans' depths and the challenges that come with exploring them. The narrator, the iconic David Attenborough, gives a brief history of the submarine technology that has allowed humans to explore these unknown depths. We see various submersibles descending into the depths, revealing the diverse marine life that exists there. Creatures like the anglerfish, viperfish, and giant isopods are seen for the first time, and their fascinating adaptations to the deep ocean's environment are discussed.

The episode then turns its focus to the open ocean, where massive whales and schools of fish migrate through the seemingly featureless waters. The viewer is presented with some breathtaking underwater shots of blue whales, the largest mammal on Earth, feeding on krill. The immense size and power of these creatures can be seen vividly during these shots, and Attenborough provides insightful commentary on their behavior.

Next, the episode explores the unique ecosystems that exist around volcanic underwater mountains called seamounts. These undersea mountains serve as vital habitats for marine life, providing a source of food and shelter. Footage of schools of trevally hunting together in these seamounts is particularly mesmerizing. We also see other creatures like humpback whales and manta rays visit these sites to feed on the nutrient-rich water.

The episode then takes the viewers on a journey to one of the darkest corners of the ocean – the abyss. The abyss is an incredibly harsh environment with extreme pressures and limited food sources. Only the most adapted of creatures can survive in this environment, and the documentary does a fantastic job in showcasing their survival adaptations. Creatures like the deep-sea hatchetfish, glass squid, and bioluminescent comb jelly use unique strategies like producing their light or strikingly colored bodies to navigate the abyss.

The last part of the episode is dedicated to a unique creature that inhabitants the ocean depths – the nautilus. The nautilus is a prehistoric-looking creature that has survived for over 500 million years. Known for their intricate shells, the creatures are predators that hunt at night. The cameras follow these creatures as they glide through the open ocean, revealing some stunning underwater shots.

Overall, "Ocean Deep" is a mesmerizing exploration of the often-overlooked depths of the ocean. The episode does a fantastic job of showcasing the variety of creatures and ecosystems that exist in the ocean depths. With stunning underwater shots and insightful commentary by Attenborough, "Ocean Deep" is a must-watch for anyone who wants to explore the mysteries of the deep ocean.