‘Dynasties II’ Recap: ‘Elephant’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Dynasties’. To revisit the season two premiere, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that nature documentaries are a great way to learn more about our world and its functions. For they are always comprehensive in their lessons, and they offer incredible insight upon the biosphere or animal they are focused upon. Because more often than not, the folks that opted to teach the world about a particular corner of our world… spent years filming in that respective location, allowing for every wonder and moment to be captured and shared. But while it is wonderful to know that nature documentaries will offer us knowledge and breathtaking sights and moments, there is one other aspect to them that makes them so incredibly special and poignant. 
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For more often than not, these types of documentaries also help us to learn some important lessons about life as well. Such as the fact, that humanity is part of something quite special, since we are but a sliver of the incredible life that is teeming upon this Earth and… that we are more connected to it than we are ever aware of. For a lot of the behaviors and actions that humanity takes part in, and believes is exclusive to only our species, nature takes part in as well… and that is a humbling lesson to learn. One that just so happened to be the centerpiece of last night’s episode of Dynasties II on BBC America. Since ‘Elephant’ is a story that informed us, that the pachyderm’s family behaviors, are damn near identical to that of man. 

A lesson that came about by way of a historical moment. For the elephant we were introduced to in this tale, named Angelina, gave birth to a pair of twins. Something that is so rare, that this was likely the sixth time this was recorded in Kenyan history, and well… their arrival is what brought forth some eerie parallels to our world. For we quickly came to learn that this family of pachyderms was without a patriarch and that Angelina was leading them and in order to see these two calves make it a single year, something that was also quite rare… the family was going to have to rally around these two innocents and do whatever it takes to protect them… and boy, did they accomplish wonders to keep these calves thriving. 

For these little babies, faced some tough struggles and some close calls with death. In part because of nature. Since they were infants when this was filmed and one wrong step, such as into the mud that nearly consumed Angelina’s son, could have spelled the end. Plus, the elements nearly spelled trouble as well, since the scarcity of food left the babies weak and vulnerable to predators. As could have the many encounters this family had with overzealous bull elephants that were eager to breed. Since their mating only focus could have ended with trampled calves if they had their way. But the family never once let trouble befall them. Since they fought off the bulls and other predators and found food and rescued the little ones from trouble. Making it clear that elephants will stop at nothing to see their babies survive.

Which is… a genuine parallel to our world. Because there are plenty of single parent families out there, where mom or dad will act akin to Angelina here and do whatever must be done to keep their little ones safe and out of danger. Not to mention, rallying around a family member that is struggling to make ends meet or to rear their child, is another behavior that humans take part in often. Since we know, just like animals, how important family is and why it is critical to support those that are blood and well, that really is a humbling and powerful parallel to find here. One that really does remind us we are part of something larger than our worries, and it will be fascinating to see what other parallels to the human world this series is going to present us with, in the weeks to come. Until next time.

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