I reckon this series will be the most interesting thing on TV all year. Bear Grylls & co create an unrealistic expectation of what the human is capable of. I initially laughed at the description of Ed's adventure, not knowing his background, but the more I hear, the more I suspect this is going to be a real journey through the mental struggle of living away from the rest of your species. Can't wait.
Tobes
I've watched all of the rushes from this, it's a fascinating insight into the human condition. He hunted small game, but mainly fished and supplemented his diet with leaves and foraged plants and berries. He had a fair bit of rice he took with him as well. He had planned to move camp to a lake with a river to meet the salmon as they travelled upriver to spawn. The trip is what broke him really. His pack was exceptionally heavy and he was already weakened, but he had to leave his canoe behind as well as a lot of kit and provisions. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a poor year for the salmon, which didn't arrive on time and he was too weak to travel back. Had the salmon arrived on schedule, he would of had a plentiful supply of oily fish. From a pure survival perspective, it would probably have been better to stay put, but that doesnt make such a good TV show. They were hoping for some good footage of the salmon and bears.
Nevertheless, I dont think 50 days alone in that environment is a failure, I think it is amazing. That he didn't make the 90 days, was probably as much about bad luck as anything.
This is the only in-depth footage of anyone trying to survive alone, bushcraft style, for an extended period of time. It has to be must-watch viewing. This isn't a Bear Grylls rambo-romp then back to the Hilton for a warm bath and piza - it's real. The closest I've seen is Les Stroud's adventures, which are amazing, but very short (usually 7 days) by comparison. What makes this so different, is that it attempts to go beyond living off your fat and into real, long-term survival.
That he isn't actually a survival expert like Lofty Wiseman, Ray Mears or Les Stroud, makes it all the more compelling. You expect them to do well, but this fella is easier to relate to IMO. He isnt lecturing you and there is no ego, you just share his experience, warts and all.
I cant wait.
