‘Long Way Up’ Recap: ‘The Andes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Long Way Up’.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the wonder of the new AppleTV+ series, Long Way Up, we spent a lot of time discussing the grand difficulties that Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman encountered on the first leg of their epic journey north toward the United States of America. For a massive road trip on electric bikes is something that has never been attempted before, and that required quite the learning curve on their part, as they worked to figure out how to effectively charge their bikes to accomplish their daily travel goals. And that left the audience wondering one particular thing at the end of that epic, three-episode premiere. In that, would this be a continuing problem as their voyage continued along?

Because this had the potential of becoming nothing more than a difficult and harrowing journey, one where Ewan and Charley had to dig deep on a daily basis. But thankfully, the next episode in this magnificent documentary makes it clear that there will be some outright delightful moments to enjoy during this incredible adventure. Because ‘The Andes’ brought about some beautiful and wonderful moments, and some smooth sailing for a change as well. For this leg of the trip, saw our dynamic duo hit a little warmer weather once they got past the snowy portion of the Andes, and that allowed for the bikes to perform at a supremely high level. Because now the batteries were holding a charge just fine and working exactly as Charley and Ewan envisioned and that led to some serious accomplishments.

For now, the lads were able to traverse great distances on these bikes. In fact, at one point they managed to rack up two-hundred miles on the bikes, while only needing to stop once for a support charge and that is just amazing. Plus, by being able to hit the road with minimal fuss this time around, we were treated to some breathtaking views. Which once again allowed for the audience to live vicariously through Ewan and Charley. But while it was quite nice to just soak up the beauty of nature this time around, what truly allowed for this episode to stand out, is that it also allowed for Ewan and Charley to really explore the countryside and meet interesting people and learn their stories. Such as the couple they met at a campsite, who informed our dynamic duo; that they basically abandoned their everyday lives in order to experience romance in the raw as they traveled the world.

Plus, it was quite amazing to see Ewan and Charley take the time to visit the Mapuche people. Since that allowed for them (and in turn, us) to learn more about a culture that they knew nothing about. And it was just fascinating to meet these fine folks and see how they live, and it was equally as smart for this documentary to show us some of the struggles that people face in South America. Such as the fuel shortages that plague some areas of this beautiful land, since we came to learn that gasoline is not as plentiful for some down south as it is for us up here. Something that definitely motivates you to take a moment and appreciate what you have. But while all of this was fascinating to learn and experience, this particular tale also made a point to bring fun to the forefront of this episode as often as possible.

Which made for quite the treat when Ewan and Charley opted to throw back and enjoy a little dancing and drinking at a festival, and you simply cannot go wrong with what happened when our new friends were invited into someone’s home to have a little lunch while their bikes charged. For the father of this family, quickly came to realize just who was sitting on his dinner table, and the look on his face as reality sank in is something that neither the audience or Ewan will ever forget and that lighthearted moment simply puts a smile on your face and perhaps sums up the magic of this episode. Because this particular tale was simply a treat through and through. One that managed to help us get lost in a grand adventure and well, now that the major troubles seem to be behind Ewan and Charley; we can likely just kick back and continue to the enjoy the majesty of this wonderful journey north. Until next time.

---