‘Seven Worlds, One Planet’ Recap: ‘Australia’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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​I think it is safe to say, that for the most part, there’s a certain sense of safety that comes with watching a documentary. For they provide us with a safe way to learn about our world and some of the challenges that wildlife face on a day to day basis and we leave these powerful stories with a sense of satisfaction since we now know something new and we are happy to share what we have learned with others. But let’s be honest… they don’t really enact something powerful within, they simply offer a newfound appreciation of our world and its beauty and there’s nothing wrong with that when all said and done. But as the years have rolled along, and the planet is facing some surprising new challenges, I am noticing a difference in how documentaries tell their stories. For now, the reality of climate change is starting to permeate into these slices of planetary life and that’s adding a sense of urgency to documentaries that I’ve never seen before.
 
Because it is obvious that the folks who assemble these powerful stories, realize now that something must be done to preserve the beautiful and incredible wildlife that populate our home and getting the message out about what can be done and how we can help is now paramount, and well… this is a wonderful thing. For now, a documentary can outright make a difference and elicit that powerful response and that’s why I’ve been counting down the days to BBC America’s latest examination of Earth’s diverse biosphere, Seven Worlds, One Planet. Because the teaser screener I had the honor of viewing addressed the challenges now facing wildlife around the world as our climate changes like never before and well, knowing that this series was going to find a way to discuss our impact on the planet’s ecosystem, combined with current events, added a level of gravity to the series premiere of this saga that I simply didn’t expect to find, and that made ‘Australia’ a powerful story indeed.
 
But before we get into the darker aspects of this tale, let’s take a moment and discuss the incredible beauty that this documentary took the time to celebrate. Because this opening chapter took us through a grandiose tour of Australia and showed us places that I honestly didn’t know existed on this continent. For example, I hadn’t a clue that there were thriving jungles, the kind that are seemingly untouched by man, where curious creatures go about their day. Plus, I was equally as stunned to learn that there are mountain ranges that actually produce snow, and that marsupials in this place do their best to survive in the extreme cold. For I truly thought this continent was nothing more than a hot and arid place, and while there is plenty of that be found in Australia as well, since that type of environment is indeed the dominate one, it was nice to see so many different biospheres in this place and appreciate their wonder.
 
But what would a nature documentary be without a heavy focus on wildlife? And this opening chapter featured plenty of that as well. For we came to learn of the various species that will eat whatever is in front of them in the jungles in order to survive. Also, how dingoes are able to thrive in more harsher environments and the creativity that goes into that. Plus, we learned the mating habits of a species of spider that was recently discovered, and we were even privy to how sharks corral fish in order to eat well and how the budgie bird travels in massive packs in order to keep predators at bay. And as an added treat, we even learned how some of the unique lizards in the desert find water and food. But the highlight reel of this journey through the teeming life in this place, involved the Tasmanian Devil. For not only did we get to see these little buggers in action for a change, their story also served as the sobering reminder of our impact on this massive paradise since it is mankind’s actions that has now brought this species to the brink of extinction.
 
Yet while that’s really as far as the show went when it comes to our impact on the world, the sobering portion of this story comes from the fact that Australia has suffered through massive wildfires in recent weeks, and much of the beauty we saw and some of the wildlife featured here, are now gone for the moment and that’s… really something that stays with you. Because seeing this beautiful place, and knowing it’s been marred by horrible fires that are likely attributed to climate change is the kind of thing that demonstrates why shows such as this need to be on the air right now, in part to serve as a warning. But also, to remind us that we need to work hard to preserve the environment today, so we and future generations can enjoy it tomorrow. But outside of the message, BBC America does deserve some serious credit for once again providing us with a beautiful look at the tiny blue ball we call home. For this series premiere really did do a fine job of showing us the majesty of one little corner of our world and I cannot wait to see what other wonders await us in this series, in the weeks to come. Until next time. 

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