Big Beasts Episode 7 to 8 Review: Narrated by the Emmy-nominated actor, also known for his otherwise mischievous escapades as Loki in the MCU, Tom Hiddleston introduces different giant creatures living in the wild in each episode of this nature documentary series. Tom Hugh-Jones, Martha Holmes, and Grant Mansfield join in the crew as executive producers of the epic wildlife series, with music by Ruth Barrett.
Big Beasts Episode 7 to 8 Review Contains Spoilers
The two latest episodes – Big Beasts Episode 7 about the Ostrich and Big Beasts Episode 8 about the the Orangutan – released on May 12, each have a runtime almost nearing the half-an-hour mark. Episode 7 was directed and produced by Ed Watkins and edited by Adam Coates and Sophia Evans, episode 8 was directed and produced by Emma Houghton-Brown, while Rama Bowley edited it. Big Beasts is a 10-part series with more episodes to be released over 5 weeks.
Big Beasts Episode 7 to 8 Review: Discussion
Episode 7 dealing with the Ostrich’s life story was set in the bountiful landscape of the African savanna. Since the last few episodes of the series have overtly focussed on the mating aspect of these animals/birds’ lives, the new entries thankfully moved forward to cover other things related to their survival.
Both the new episodes drive our attention towards how these various gigantic creatures in nature strive to protect their children and teach them to become self-independent. Yet, the final commentary doesn’t forget to mention that human beings are possibly one of the very few species who’re good at keeping their young ones alive.
In the ostrich’s case, these birds try their all to protect their eggs, but several factors like the scorching sun result against their favour. Countering that image, the orangutan family comes in second after humans in their capabilities of keeping their young safe through endless adversities in the jungle. It’s almost endearing to see how different types of ape/ monkey species are similar to us, just like it was depicted in the previous ‘Gorilla’ episode as well.
While Episode 8 presents a warming account, again portraying the dynamic lifestyle led by the orangutan and the other monkey categories in the jungle, the Ostrich episode forgets its main character in the middle of things. It’s quite obvious and understandable that speaking of a particular animal is bound to link in some others as well, given their tied association through the natural ecosystem. However, Episode 7 quickly takes a dive into the giraffes’ story, which, by default, introduces more interrelationships with buffaloes and the big bad in this scenario – lions. This pushes the Ostrich to the back seat and by the end of the episode you can’t say that you’ve learnt much in-depth about those majestic birds.
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Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that the ‘Ostrich’ episode is a disappointment. It paints a fertile image of “one of the most abundant places on Earth” – the savanna, while also packing in enormous action and politics between all the animals co-existing in the same plain. On the other hand, the ‘Orangutan’ episode packs in warmth and admiration for the mammals and their ways of life in the dense forest.
Big Beasts Episode 7 and 8: Final Thoughts
Things have definitely taken a better turn in these two episodes and some of the best takeaways from them are the highlights listed below –
- Seeing buffaloes stand up to lions and help protect their fellow herbivore companions in the savanna.
- Orangutans making umbrellas out of leaves.
- Watch the monstrous bloom of the wild flower Rafflesia – and how its unbearable stench troubles its neighbours.
- Baby orangutan learning how to leap from one branch to another. Its mum helping it to cross over by forming a bridge out of her body and also making a makeshift zip line using branches.
- The gradual process of metamorphosis in the case of the atlas moth.
The new episodes of the nature documentary series are now streaming on Apple TV+. Next introduction will be centred around the Tiger and the Polar Bear set to premiere on May 19, 2023.
Also read: Our Previous Reviews of Big Beasts