Dynasties (2018)

Directed by: Simon Blakeney, Will Lawson, Nick Lyon, Rosie Thomas, Theo Webb | 300 minutes | documentary | Starring: David Attenborough

In ‘Dynasties’, Sir David Attenborough takes the viewer on a unique journey of exploration. We delve deep into the worlds of five imaginative, but also endangered species: the chimpanzee, emperor penguin, lion, African wild dog and Bengal tiger. From the steppes, savannas and forests of Africa we travel to the icy South Pole before ending up in the Indian jungle.

The theme of the dynasties is the common thread of the series. This means that the focus is mainly on the family life of the animals that are central to this series. Especially in the case of animals such as chimpanzees, lions and African wild dogs, this provides a fascinating spectacle that at times is reminiscent of an animal version of “Game of Thrones”. Even within many animal communities, established leaders are pitted against pretenders to the throne and challengers who have a crush on their crown or prey-rich habitat. Particularly in the case of chimpanzees, lions – and occasionally tigers and wild dogs – the battle between rivals can be very fierce, ending in a deadly feud. In the Wild Dog episode, we even see how the battle for the best hunting grounds can drive entire families apart, a fact that is compounded by the advancing humans that destroy much of the historical habitat of these social, roaming and now extremely rare carnivores. has swallowed.

Also dams sometimes have to put their lives on the line to protect the precious offspring from dynastic perils. For example, male lions that take over a pack kill cubs not sired by themselves so that the lionesses become sexually receptive again. The reason for this infanticide is not so different from the motivation that in ancient and medieval times also regularly prompted human kings and emperors to do the same thing: to continue one’s own bloodline. The penguins are a little more peaceful, but the episode about these robust Arctic birds is also full of drama.

Visually, ‘Dynasties’ brings you what you expect from the specialists at BBC Earth: great images that certainly come into their own in Blu-ray format. While the thematic approach is also original, much of the animal behavior on display will be a piece of cake for the seasoned naturalist. Yet ‘Dynasties’ manages to portray the lives of a number of charismatic animal species in an intimate and versatile way. The series is alternately compelling, grim, beautiful and endearing, but almost continuously captivating and imposing.