‘The Americas’ Recap: ‘The Frozen North’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE AMERICAS -- "The Frozen North" Episode 105 -- Pictured: Aurora Borealis over the sea ice ast Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Canada -- (Photo by: BBC Studios

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Americas’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we think of the northern most point of The Americas, we think of… the cold. For that area encompasses the Arctic Circle and our brains immediately think of grey skies, ice as far as the eye can see and barren landscapes that barely support life, and there is merit to those mental images. For it is a harsh place, where the sun disappears during the entire winter and where yes, life can struggle to survive. But there is so much more to this environment than we give it credit, and that is why this week’s episode of The Americas on NBC is of note. For ‘The Frozen North’ opened our eyes to so much about this frigid place.

In that, those winters are far more vibrant than we give them credit. For once the ice and the cold settle in, animal life gets to work surviving. Which for polar bears, involves heading to the coastal areas to feast upon the seals that are now using the ice as refuge, and of course, wolves hunt and go about their usual business. But it is what happens in between all of that, which is so very, very fascinating. Since there are so many smaller creatures that live and thrive in this place. Such as the snowshoe hare. A rabbit that happens to have massive feet that are padded and set for travel in this part of the world. Which allows for them to go about their business and thrive, and fight to survive no less. Since there are plenty of predators eager to feed upon them.

Not to mention, this is a region of great beauty in the middle of the winter. For it is indeed glowing white snow as far as the eye can see. The kind that reflects sunlight in that way that captivates us during the winter, and it is also host to a wondrous sight that enchants us… the aurora borealis. Those majestic northern lights that so many rightfully scramble to see. But truly, where this region shines, is in its ability to transform itself once the spring and summer arrive, and that’s what we tend to not think about, but we certainly should. For once the snow begins to melt, the north becomes a beautiful and lush place. Filled with green and filled with life that emerges from the cold, ready to carry on and be fruitful.

Which means of course, that new families are born and that means the various animals up there must find a mate. Which the sharp-tailed grouse does through quite the enchanting dance. Not to mention, the salmon will do everything and anything to carry on the line in Alaska. To the point where males will be within inches of death to make sure they can procreate, and as that happens, new families thrive, and life goes on. Since you’ll find male walruses hanging out and singing special songs as they enjoy the return of warmth, and you’ll even find caribou fighting hard to survive. To the point where separated family members will push through exhaustion to be near one another again.

For the frozen north is a place where survival is the name of the game, and truly, this was an incredible, comprehensive look at a place that we do tend to associate with desolation. Or did, rather. Because now we know, it is teeming with life, no matter the season and filled with utter beauty and that made for another amazing tale from this series. One that offered up some genuinely unique looks at wildlife that are rarely shown on film. For whom else was aware of the fact that male salmon begin to basically rot as they reach the bitter edge of their life? Or that caribou had such a sense of connection? Well, we certainly do now, thanks to this amazing series. One that we now eagerly await the return of, to see what other lessons and beauty can be found in The Americas.

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