‘The Wild Sides’ Recap: ‘Floods and Foes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘The Wild Sides’ Courtesy of BBC America.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2 of ‘The Wild Sides’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new BBC America documentary series, The Wild Sides, we talked at length about how the show’s series premiere, went to some ugly places. For it truly held nothing back in its exploration regarding the brutal nature of mother nature, and how the animals that make up the world have to fight hard to see another day. It just so happened that the animals spotlighted here, had to fight extra hard. For the Mashatu Wildness in Botswana was in essence, devoid of water and that oddly enough, brought forth quite the surprise. Since all the local species in this region congregated and settled near a riverbed since it was the only source of water left… setting the stage for a new dynamic in this region.
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Wherein a community of sorts was coming together and well… it is definitely safe to say that everyone that tuned in was curious as to what that was going to look like. Because now predators and prey were standing by side by side in close proximity, giving rise to the possibility of either a stunning harmony or utter chaos and well, the next episode in this story made it clear… that chaos would be the dynamic going forward in this desperate attempt to be near that which sustains life… water. Which made ‘Floods and Foes’ quite the harrowing story to say the least. Mainly because… there was a tension that hung heavy over this story. For every animal that made the journey and settled in, had to keep close watch on their children and their shelter, since every animal in this place now was hungry and ready to take what was deemed necessary.

Which brought forth serious heartbreak to say the least. Since that meant that predators were carefully watching and were opportunists for certain. Which brought an early end to some young lives and to make matters worse… getting food was no easy task. For every animal was willing to jump in and steal a warm meal, and that meant some animals tried to hide their prizes to ensure they could feed and sustain their energy and their families. But even that was no easy task since hunger brings forth ingenuity, and yet… the situation still deteriorated. For the apex predator of these lands found their way to the dusty riverbank. For lions were in need of sustenance and water as well, and that made for more tense moments, and sorrow, and chaos as everyone worked to avoid the lions with some success.

All of which, made for a dark tale once again, and understandably so. For this is the world, and this is how it operates, but thankfully… this episode did serve to remind us… that happy days find their way into the chaos as well. Because in the midst of this struggle, a surprise finally came down from the sky. In that, rain finally came to this dry place and filled up the riverbed with more than holes and mud. Which brought forth, celebration really, wherein these thirsty animals could finally have their fill and live their lives as they normally would. Which in the case of the elephants here, involved a joyous mud bath and water play. Plus, the river attracted new prey to the area, allowing for a brief respite from the fear and the tension that was present here since everyone could eat the birds that arrived instead of one another. 

But alas, it is inherently obvious that such joyous days will not last in this volatile part of the world. For this documentary has made it clear that chaos rules the day out there. Which means we should be prepared for more brutal days and challenges for the animals that now call this riverbank home. But while we wait to see what new conflict is on the horizon, we can celebrate one incredible tale. One that once more offered an unfettered look nature’s brutality, and despite this episode’s shocking nature at times, we are still eager to see more. In part to be reminded of how lucky we are, but also… to see how this incredible story will come to a close. Until next time.

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