A Review of ‘Secrets of the Octopus’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

A Day octopus (Octopus Cyanea) perched on corals on the Great Barrier Reef. (National Geographic for Disney/Richard Woodgett)

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the documentary series, ‘Secrets of the Octopus’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that humanity has a very specific and unfortunate view of the wildlife that surrounds us. In that, we see it as truly inferior for a variety of reasons. One of which relates to the fact that animals cannot communicate with us in the manner we communicate with one another, so we simply seem them as unintelligent beings based upon that. Not to mention, that they lead such simple lives, filled with hunting and gathering, and that they cannot organize exactly as we do, adds to that bias. One that is downright incorrect. Because the fact of the matter is, wildlife isn’t inferior to us nor is it ‘dumb’ or simplistic… it simply functions differently than we do.

Not to mention, there are creatures in the world that have proven time and again they are intelligent and thoughtful, and can communicate with us in ways that are impactful and well… that means we as a species need to be a little more open to the wonder of wildlife, to respect it, to properly understand it and how special it can be, and one way that can be accomplished is through documentaries. Since they can teach us the truth about wildlife in an objective and compelling manner and it just so happens that last night, in celebration of Earth Day, National Geographic offered up a documentary in that vein. One that spotlights and educates us on a species of aquatic life that we don’t offer enough respect to, the Octopus.

A feat that Secrets of the Octopus accomplishes by having us spend time with these unique creatures, who traditionally… have been seen in that negative light. After all, their fascinating appearance has engendered some measure of fear, and there is a belief that all they do is swim around all day and fire off that ink when bothered. But this documentary series really does prove, they are so much more than that. For instance, this series showcases how their lives are in fact, filled with purpose. For the Octopus has no desire to just exist and swim about. It has a life to lead, one that features fascinating complexities from a social standpoint since they are social creatures, and they are true masters of disguise and use that evade capture by other predators. Which speaks volumes to how badly they want to thrive and survive.

But what truly is impressive about the Octopus, is its intelligence and its ability to recollect, and how it uses recollection in a positive manner to socialize. Because were able to see Dr. Alex Schnell, spend a lot of time with a Day Octopus in the first episode of this story. Wherein she made sure to make the Octopus feel comfortable and safe, and she simply observed and hung out with it, and well… this little Octopus, began to remember her, respond to her, and socialize with her. All of which is proof positive that this particular species of aquatic life isn’t some unfeeling force of nature driven by mindless primal instincts. It’s a social and supremely friendly creature that will make friends with whatever species it knows it can trust.

All of which makes for a powerful documentary, one that really does offer up a fine education in addition to the surprises, but more importantly, helps us to see wildlife in a different light. Wherein we come to understand how special these creatures are, the incredible lives they lead and how they are more than just indignant stereotypes and myths and legends. They’re functioning beings that harbor so much depth to them and that really does open one’s eyes to the reality that everything that lives on this world is quite special, and something to behold, and that makes this an important watch, one that should be experienced with the family. All so that discussions can take place and learning can be had, courtesy of this wondrous exploration about our eight-tentacled friends of the sea.

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