Ep 5. Seasonal Seas

Seasonal Seas is the fifth episode of the first season of the groundbreaking nature documentary series, The Blue Planet. In this episode, the focus is on the diverse and dynamic oceans that surround our planet, which are impacted by the changing seasons.

The program takes audiences on a stunning journey to the world's seas and oceans, showcasing the changes that occur as the seasons change. From the freezing polar waters to the tropical oceans, viewers will witness the unique and incredible life forms that inhabit these environments.

The episode begins in the Arctic Circle, where the winter months bring darkness and bitter cold. Here, the narrator David Attenborough introduces viewers to the bizarre and fascinating creatures that live in these extreme conditions. Polar bears, seals, walruses and Arctic foxes all must adapt to survive the harsh winter, and the program shows the incredible strategies and adaptations that allow them to do so.

As the seasons change, the program moves south to warmer waters, where humpback whales can be seen breaching and playing in the sea. The stunning footage captures the majesty of these enormous creatures, and viewers witness the complex social dynamics that exist in these communities.

Next, the series takes viewers to the Equator, where the seas are warm and abundant with life. Here, the program shows the challenges that animals face in the face of an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous environment. From the huge schools of fish that swim in unison to avoid predators, to the massive pods of dolphins who hunt together with incredible coordinated teamwork, viewers will marvel at the incredible displays of nature's prowess.

The episode then explores the seas around Australia, and the species that inhabit the reefs. One of the highlights of this section is the majestic whale shark, which Attenborough describes as "a gentle giant". Viewers will be awed by the size and majesty of these creatures as they glide through the turquoise waters.

Finally, the program returns north to the Atlantic sea, where winter is a time of migration for many of the creatures that live here. The series shows the incredible journeys that leatherback turtles make each year, swimming thousands of miles from their feeding grounds to their nesting sites. The program also delves into the complex and fascinating behavior of various shark species which call the Atlantic home.

The Blue Planet season 1 episode 5, Seasonal Seas, is an incredible exploration of the oceans and the impact that the changing seasons have on these vast and vital ecosystems. With stunning footage, insightful narration, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, Seasonal Seas is a must-watch episode for nature lovers everywhere.