Ep 17. The Last Straw

In the episode "The Last Straw" of Alaska: The Last Frontier season 5, viewers are taken on a journey through the lives of the Kilcher family as they work to prepare for winter. As residents of remote Alaska, the Kilchers must stockpile supplies, maintain their homes and equipment, and ensure that they have enough food and other essentials to survive the cold, dark winter months.

The episode opens with Otto Kilcher, one of the patriarchs of the family, working on his homestead. He is clearing a field of brush and trees in order to make way for a new garden plot. As he works, he reflects on the hard work and ingenuity required to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. He talks about the importance of being prepared for anything, and how the smallest mistake can have dire consequences in this unforgiving environment.

Meanwhile, Otto's son Eivin is out hunting for moose. He has already bagged one, but he needs another in order to provide enough meat for the family. Hunting in Alaska is a dangerous endeavor, and Eivin must navigate treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather as he tracks his prey. But he is determined to succeed, knowing that the Kilchers rely on the meat from their hunts to get them through the winter.

In another part of the episode, Atz Kilcher, the other patriarch of the family, is working on his own homestead. He is building a new fence to keep his livestock safe from predators. As he works, he talks about the importance of self-sufficiency and how it has been a guiding principle in his life. He reflects on the lessons he learned from his father, and how he has passed those lessons on to his own children.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given glimpses into the daily lives of the Kilchers. We see them chopping wood, hauling water, and repairing equipment. We see them working together as a family, relying on one another for support and encouragement. And we see them facing challenges, both big and small, as they work to prepare for the coming winter.

As the episode progresses, tensions begin to rise among the family members. There are disagreements about how to best manage their resources, and tempers flare as the stress of the coming winter begins to take its toll. But through it all, the Kilchers remain committed to one another and to their way of life.

In the end, "The Last Straw" is a powerful and moving episode that highlights the struggle and perseverance of the Kilcher family. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find hope and inspiration in the people around us.