A part of me is fond of Jurassic World: Dominion for the concept, even though I wish it had been executed better. There was much left to be desired, especially in regards to actually exploring the dinosaurs as animals.
Prehistoric Planet fulfilled that wish for me, but then, of course, I was left wanting to see these animals in person. Not as genetic reconstructions, but the real deal.
While “Deserts” focuses on my least favorite biome, who would’ve thought it would be the best episode of the season showcasing dinosaurs with unique adaptations for survival in these desolate areas. We start with a bang with a herd of male Dreadnoughtus traveling to their mating grounds away from their forest dwelling that is crowded with hundreds of females. A “clash-of-the-titans” spectacle ensures when two males fight for the right to mate with some fantastic music to go with it, showcasing the size and power of these sauropods. Makes you want to bang the air like beating a drum to it.
I loved the sequence featuring the Mononykus, a small Mongolian dinosaur that reminds you of a roadrunner with features like owls in how it uses its facial disc to sense prey since it doesn’t have ears. I was introduced to this dinosaur in “Chased by Dinosaurs” with Nigel Marven and it was completely different from what is depicted here. Looked more like Ornithomimus and I was under that impression for quite a while till then. I would love to see this in “Jurassic World Evolution 2” one day.
We have another spectacular sequence, showcasing a watering hole covered with hundreds of dinosaurs getting their fill of water before it dries up. Not just herbivores are there, but also carnivores including a Tarbosaurus, an Asian cousin to Tyrannosaurus. Watching it appear on a sand dune from a distance with other dinosaurs busy drinking is my favorite shot of the entire season. The sequence also reminded me of the water truce from Jon Favreau’s Jungle Book. I just love how both predator and prey would put their differences aside to have some water.
We move to North Africa for a mating ground for Barbaridactylus, pterosaurs with impressive bony crests. It shows how dominant males would fight for their place among the smaller females, but what’s more impressive is that some males don’t get that big nor grow those large crests and tend to be sneaky. It was hilarious watching a larger male mistake the sneaky male by displaying. Was it showing off by accident or on purpose? Who knows. But the lesson here is that there’s more to impressing a girl than with size and strength, but being sneaky is not the best tactic.
Our last sequence is more serene as we watch a herd of hadrosaurs called Secernosaurus travel through sand dunes made of gypsum to parts where there’s more food. It was interesting to see them use the stars to guide them at night. I know one or some animals to do that but can’t think of it. Another cool moment was them licking off droplets of water from the fog of seawater as a source of water.
Another thing I appreciate is how the show doesn’t end with the typical extinction event like in “Walking with Dinosaurs” or “When Dinosaurs Roamed America.” Sure, there’s that dreadfulness when the final episode fades to black that it’s happened but looking back at each episode and comparing with the finale of “Walking With,” the world is still full of life at the time and not choking to death from increased volcanic activity. I don’t know if we will see that in the future, but it’s doubtful. And that concludes my reviews for the first season and look forward to traveling back to the prehistoric planet next Monday. 😉
3.5/4 stars.
P.S. It was interesting seeing the Dreadnoughtus expose gular sacs to impress females like frigatebirds and anole lizards. 😉
Time for some miso-posting💚
If I didn't have misophonia I would not have much of a problem, though I still never really liked his narration whether that be how he speaks or his voice, however unfortunately I do have it..
What would have been a little annoyance is just painfully agonizing (And then some). Like yo please stop putting this man everywhere so I can actually hear the environments of the animals and the environments😭
Most egregious is how he pronounces the letter D. 90 percent of his D's make me want to rip out my wrist vein with my teeth and slurp it up like a pain noodle with home-made sauce. I'ma have to watch the entirety of Prehistoric Planet deaf which sucks because it turns the experience naked. Though I do not like the music of prehistoric planet at all, what am I supposed to do without the glorious honking of the pterosaurs?
Some ‘Prehistoric Planet’ fan art. I think Nanuqsaurus may be my new favourite. Can’t wait to watch the final episode tonight. Then I’ll watch them all again. #prehistoricplanet #fanart #nanuqsaurus #paleoart #dinosaurs #appletv #bbcnaturalhistoryunit https://www.instagram.com/p/CeDzAAMMRtd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=