Ep 15. Circle of Life

In this episode of Alaska: The Last Frontier, entitled "Circle of Life," viewers are taken back again to the unforgiving Alaskan terrain where the Kilcher family live, work, and survive off the land. The family's matriarch, the tough, headstrong Atz Kilcher, is the main focus of the episode, as she prepares to ensure the future comfort and prosperity of her family's legacy.

As the season changes to fall, the Kilchers' way of life is at its busiest, with preparations for the coming winter taking center stage. Atz, who is known for her hunting and gathering skills, is determined to provide enough meat for the family to survive the notorious Alaskan winter. While this feat is nothing new for Atz, she is feeling the weight of responsibility as the head of the family, and she knows that the future of her family depends on the success of this season's hunting.

Atz's preparation is not limited to hunting though; she also takes precautions to ensure that the farm animals, the main source of food for the family, are also well taken care of during the harsh winter months. She methodically inspects the different animals, checking their vital signs and making sure they have enough food and shelter. It is at this point in the episode that viewers can see the genuine care and concern that the Kilcher family have for their animals.

The hunt continues as Atz and her sons track a herd of elk, and viewers are treated to some impressive hunting skills from this Alaskan family. The danger of the hunt is always palpable, and the episode does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of the hunt, and the sacrifices the family makes for their way of life. You can feel the heartache the family experiences as they face natural obstacles and even some moments of failure.

This show truly emulates the pure ruggedness that typifies the Alaskan way of life. The Kilchers are a testament to man’s endurance and the determination of a family's perseverance, working together to survive the harshest of conditions. Each member contributes their strengths, but it is Atz who as the matriarch is responsible for ensuring everyone works together towards a common goal. Atz’s determination to leave a legacy and provide for her family is admirable, and the episode is a reminder of how important it is to work towards something for a greater purpose.

In this episode, we see the Kilcher family go through the various aspects of their daily lives with exquisite detail. From the hunting of elk to caring for farm animals, from the danger of living off the wilderness to the family closeness that keeps them going, it is a fascinating window into a life very different from that of the rest of the world. All the while, the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness looms in the background, providing a constant reminder of the fragility of life in such an inhospitable environment.

"Circle of Life" is an episode that highlights the essential values of family, hard work, and determination that have made the Kilchers such a strong dynasty. Despite the often harsh realities of their lives, the episode is packed with heart and a real sense of pride for the Kilchers' way of life.

Viewers who enjoy reality shows, nature, and outdoor adventures will no doubt be fascinated by the Kilchers' existence. The show is never boring, and the cast is never dull. The Kilcher family is a joy to watch as they face the harsh realities of their lives with a stoic fortitude, drawing strong parallels of familial relationships, self-reliance and holding onto a simpler way of life. Fans of the show have grown to appreciate the rugged, natural way of living that the Kilchers represent, and "Circle of Life" is an episode that perfectly encapsulates this.