Ep 6. Ice Worlds

Planet Earth season 1 episode 6, titled "Ice Worlds," takes viewers on a breathtaking journey through the frigid wildernesses of the Earth's polar regions. The episode explores the fascinating wildlife that has adapted to life in extreme environments where temperatures can drop to well below zero.

The episode begins with an introduction to the arctic fox, one of the most well-known and beloved animals of the North. Here, viewers witness the fox's dependence upon the abundant food source of lemmings, providing the foxes with a buffer to the cold of the extreme north.

Next, the show takes us to the South Pole, where emperor penguins brave the staggering cold to breed. The narration wonderfully captures the vital role that the male penguin plays in childcare, and highlights the bond that forms between the chicks and their fathers. Watching the scene unfold, one can't help but feel awe at the resilience and fortitude of these animals.

Moving further North, the episode then takes us back to the Arctic, where Pacific walruses gather in staggering numbers each year. As we learn about the importance of these gatherins and their upmost urgency, we also watch as bears come to feast on the walrus as they can.

As the episode progresses, we begin to understand the importance that ice plays in the lives of creatures such as the polar bear. A massive adult male is shown wandering across the icy wasteland, hunting for prey and coping with the harsh climate. We see first hand how intricate the relationship is between the predators and their environment and how things like temperature can greatly change a predator's chances of success.

The episode is not all about large mammals though as we get up and close with other animals, including killer whales, and narwhals. The narrative brings the audience closer to these beautiful creatures, and a story of survival and adaptability unfolds.

As the show nears its end we are introduced to the incredible landscapes of Antarctica. Whether it is the maze of ice caves or the striking fields of deep snow, it is nothing short of awe-inspiring, as the vast ice sheets of the south are juxtaposed against the darkness and cold of the surrounding ocean.

In the end, this episode is a breathtaking journey through the unforgiving and awe-inspiring landscapes of our planet's poles - an eye-opening experience allowing the audience to witness what it takes to live and thrive in the most extreme and harsh environments. The narration, music, and visuals merge into an unforgettable experience of both wonder and understanding, the sort of thing we can expect from our planet, and its inhabitants.