‘Predator v Prey’ Recap: ‘Lion’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still From ‘Predator v Prey’ Courtesy of BBC America.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Predator v Prey’.
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One particular truth about Mother Nature that we’ve all come to understand, is that she is brutal for certain. For Mother Nature embraces chaos and loves to enjoy the wonder of survival of the fittest, and for proof… look no further than 2020 when she challenged man’s prowess in a simple yet effective manner. For that required a little work on our part to survive, the kind that while harrowing, does pale in comparison to what the animals of the world, deal with. For they face challenges ten times more stunning than a virus, and we understand that as well and think little of nature’s brutal actions because of the edict that Mother Nature has put forth. For that is just the way of things.

But the fact of the matter is, there’s more that goes into survival of the fittest than just raw luck or raw strength. There’s science and logic and strategy that goes into such success, much like it was for us by designing a vaccine so quickly and well… it just so happens that BBC America is now home to a series that explores exactly how survival of the fittest works and what goes into how the strong overcome the weak around the world. A feat that Predator v Prey accomplishes… by offering up unique perspective on such matters. For this is more than a documentary series about predators and their prowess, it genuinely breaks down how they are physically superior and the science that goes into their hunt and that made ‘Lion’ a fascinating watch.

Because this is a story that wasted little time in showcasing, the science of how a pride hunts. For instance, we came to learn there that every attack on zebras and other such wildlife, are carefully coordinated. Right down to the distance and moment when a lion should strike. Which brings about great success, and the physical tools present within these predators also aid in success. Since this opening chapter of the show made sure to showcase in fascinating CGI, how their muscles, work, and react and how their strategy pays off in spades. Which led to fascinating moments, and a stunning one. Wherein a pride used strategy and their physical collective strength, to bring down an actual elephant. 

But of course, that doesn’t mean they are flawless predators and win every battle. Because sometimes… there are failures to be found. After all, sometimes the environment allows for prey to get away since the lion cannot properly react to said environment. Plus, a lack of food and downright fatigue can impact their actions deeply. All of which was showcased by way of that incredible CGI breakdown. Not to mention, sometimes failure comes out of sacrifice. Since we were able to learn that now and again, a pregnant mother will leave the pride to raise her little ones, and in doing so, will struggle to keep up the fight and struggle to put food into the mouths of her cubs. 

All of which reinforced the chaotic nature of the wild… in an unprecedented manner no less. For this writer is hard pressed to think of another series that breaks down the wins and the losses by predators in the wild in a manner this frank and this incredible. Because we truly do walk away from this premiere with a flawless understanding of how lions feed and how they conquer incredible odds to eat, and how they struggle some days and well, that made for one incredible episode. One that offered up refreshing perspective and outright leaves us curious to learn more. Because this is the kind of stuff that engages a viewer through and through, and it will be genuinely fascinating to explore how other predators function as this series continues along. Until next time.

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