For 6 seasons now, I have been watching the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch. In case you haven’t heard about it, Deadliest Catch, puts cameramen aboard several Alaska crab fishing boats, and follows them as they fish the Bearing Sea for King and Opilio(or snow) crab. Of course the catch seasons are in the winter, on the Bearing Sea! That’s the coldest and worst weather time of the year. There is something fascinating about watching a bunch of men working at a job that most of us would never want to try. Yes, I had heard the stories about Alaska fisherman making a fortune for a few weeks of fishing. After watching this series you realize the truth, that it is hard, dangerous work, with no guarantees.
Part of the attraction of this series is that they have followed pretty much the same 4 or 5 crab boats over the seasons. As a result, you got to know the captains and crews of the boats. The camera work is breathtaking. And I’ve developed a strong respect for the (mostly) anonymous cameramen/producers who risk their lives and safety to get the shots The show has become a hit for Discovery Channel, and several of the captains and crew members have even appeared on TV talk shows. I’ve seen Captain Sig Hansen and his brother on Jay Leno.
One of the crab boats that has been a part of the show since season 1 is the Cornelia Marie, with Captain Phil Harris. Among the deckhands on the Cornelia Marie are Captain Phil’s 2 sons Jake and Josh. It was not a secret that Captain Phil died during the season. News of his stroke and eventual passing was in the mainstream media. It even was in the Local Las Cruces paper. Last night’s episode included Captain Phil passing away. Surprisingly, Captain Phil and his family allowed the cameraman/producer full access to the family, and the hospital. In real life, families are never polished and neat. They are usually messy and emotional. Phil’s family was no exception, and I find it amazing and brave that they allowed their emotional struggles to be filmed and displayed on the show. It was riveting TV. You can read an interview with Josh here.
Deadliest Catch is almost over for the year. I believe there is one more episode left. If you haven’t watched it, Discovery Channel usually repeats it, and you can watch full episodes at Discoverychannel.com. I strongly suggest you try to catch it.
