‘Earth at Night in Color’ Recap: ‘Tarsier Forest’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Earth at Night in Color’.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous new AppleTV+ series, Earth at Night in Color, we talked at length about how amazing it was that this series was able to capture crystal clear visuals in the middle of the night, and we expressed our wonder, over all the incredible learning moments that this series has to offer. Because only a handful of us out there were aware of the fact that lions roamed the grasslands at night to feed and raise their young and well, that kind of revelation definitely left us eager to explore what other nocturnal activities take place around the globe while we gently rest in the comfort of our cozy beds. And thankfully, the next episode of this dynamic new series wasted little time in showing us just that.

For the next episode of this fantastic series, opted to take us to the forests in Southeast Asia, where life in the trees doesn’t miss a beat when the sun goes down. In fact, life in the ‘Tarsier Forest’ in the middle of the night, resembles that of New York City more often than not. Since it seems as though little sleeps beneath the leaves, and thanks to the fireflies… the trees even light up in a similar manner to the Manhattan skyline and the bustling night doesn’t end with a light show. For tiny frogs come out in the middle of the darkness to fight for spots that offer them the best possible chance to feed and this was simply fascinating to watch, since it helped to demonstrate that world just keeps on moving while humanity naps the night away. 

But truly, the centerpiece of this particular tale was the spectral tarsier, a tiny little mammal that is uniquely designed to thrive in the darkness of the night. For these tiny little creatures have massive eyes and equally as impressive ears. Both of which are designed to help them see well in the dark and hear their prey as it moves about the forest and we spent a great deal of time with these little critters. Which allowed for us to watch them hunt with incredible precision and speed as they worked to get their daily caloric intake and we were even able to bear witness, to how they move as families whilst they work to find food. Since the mothers will carry their young with them and place them in safe spaces while the hunt continues along.

Which is a move that is not without risk. For owls roam the darkness as well, and if by chance they spot a baby tarsier, they won’t think twice about going after it. Plus, there are snakes that slither about the floor of the forest, the kind that can climb a tree no problem if it involves getting a little food in their bellies. And while that makes it seem as though this documentary was about to go to some sour places in order to tell a powerful tale, that’s simply not the case. Instead, the arrival of predators allowed for the audience to witness firsthand, how these creatures use noise and diversionary tactics to confuse and intimidate their enemies so that everyone returns home safely before dawn, and that is thankfully how this magnificent story ends.

But while it is nice to see every critter survive in this particular tale, what truly makes this story so worth our while… is the sheer fact that some incredible work went into play in capturing these stunning night shots. Because the crew missed nothing, and the camera's attention to detail made it seem as though we were watching this play out in daylight and that’s just incredible when all is said and done. As are the people that captured these shots, since they braved the dangers of the forest at night and used ingenuity to get the images in question and they truly deserve a shout out for making this episode happen. And now that our journey through the forest at night has come to a close, it should be interesting to see what other incredible nighttime activities take place in our next destination, as we continue along on our sweeping voyage through the darkness. Until next time.

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