In the show “Alone,” a group of British contestants is trying to survive in the Canadian wilderness for as long as possible. Unlike the skilled American and Australian participants, these Brits face challenges as they can’t start fires, are always scared, and can’t handle sharp objects. The show’s original version is American, where contestants are left alone in tough environments to see who lasts the longest.
The show is now in its 10th season, and the American participants are experienced outdoorspeople, capable of hunting, fishing, and building elaborate shelters. However, the British contestants struggle with basic survival skills. In one episode, a person accidentally injures themselves while building a shelter and has to be taken back home. Another contestant is worried about managing in the wilderness, comparing it to getting lost in a supermarket. The show captures both the humor and seriousness of the survival challenge these Brits are facing.
In the show “Alone,” contestants are given filming equipment to record their activities while surviving in the wilderness. This setup works well for Americans and Australians, who are comfortable expressing themselves and using humor even in challenging situations.
However, when it comes to the British contestants, things are a bit different. Their transcript would look something like this:
“Oh no!”
“I’m scared…”
“I hear strange noises… Oh my goodness!”
“Oh dear, I accidentally hit my leg with an axe.”
“These little creatures are so annoying!”
One of the contestants named Louie tries to shoot ducks with his bow and arrow but misses, just like Robin Hood would have struggled. Despite a nine-day training course, it seems that most of the survival skills didn’t stick for the British participants. Except for Alan, an experienced forager with autism, who finds peace in nature, the others seem inexperienced. Laura, an entrepreneur, is overwhelmed by the size of her tarp, while Eva, an NHS project manager, struggles to start a fire within the first 24 hours. Elise is surprised by the thickness and spikiness of the moss under her feet.
In summary, the British contestants face challenges in adapting to the wilderness, unlike their more media-savvy American and naturally humorous Australian counterparts.
Kian, a 19-year-old who loves survival skills, is away from home for the first time. He admits his lack of experience but remains positive. His unique choice of apparel, a red and yellow uniform, raises curiosity. Louie is disappointed about missing ducks and worries about finding food. He tries eating reed roots but regrets it.
Though the show may sound fun, it mainly involves people cautiously wandering through woods, scared of unseen sounds, and sharing their fears. Watching this can be quite boring.
However, as the challenges of constipation, dehydration, and starvation set in, things might get more interesting. Viewers still enjoy guessing who will leave next, who has a chance to win, and who will be the underdog we root for. And yes, secretly, some may even hope one contestant gets eaten by a bear.
Overall, the show has its thrilling moments, but it’s not all excitement and adventure.
Source: The Guardian
