Ep 7. Dominica

In Naked and Afraid season 3 episode 7, entitled Dominica, we see two survivalists attempt to thrive in the dense rainforest of Dominica, a Caribbean island known for its volcanic peaks and stunning waterfalls. The episode follows EJ Snyder, a former military sergeant and survivalist expert, and Kellie Nightlinger, a hunting and fishing guide from Alaska, as they navigate the lush terrain with nothing but a few tools and the clothes on their backs.

From the moment the pair meet, it's clear that they have vastly different approaches to survival. While EJ believes in taking a 'warrior mentality' and pushing himself to the limit, Kellie is more measured and strategic in her efforts. Nevertheless, both are eager to prove their skills and see if they can make it 21 days in the wilderness.

Their first challenge comes in the form of the dense rainforest itself. Tangled vines and dense underbrush make it difficult to move quickly, and the humidity and moisture make everything feel damp and uncomfortable. The pair works together to build a shelter, using palm fronds and branches to create a rudimentary lean-to. Though their first attempt collapses in the middle of the night, they persevere and manage to create a sturdier structure.

Next, the survivalists must find a source of water. They begin trekking through the jungle, but soon realize that hydration is going to be a major obstacle. When they finally stumble across a stream, they are ecstatic and quickly fill their canteens. However, the water proves to be tainted, and both EJ and Kellie suffer from intense stomach cramps and diarrhea as a result.

This setback doesn't deter them, however. Together, they set about fashioning makeshift fishing poles and traps in order to catch their own food. As the days wear on, they struggle to find enough food to sustain themselves. Even when they do manage to catch fish or lizards, it's not enough to stave off the constant hunger pangs.

Along the way, we learn more about EJ and Kellie's backgrounds. EJ shares his experiences as a soldier and how his training has prepared him for this kind of challenge. Meanwhile, Kellie reflects on the freedom she feels in the wilderness and how much she loves her job as a guide. Their conversations are interspersed with glimpses of the beautiful landscape around them, showing off Dominica's stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, and dense forests.

As the days wear on, the challenges become even more difficult to overcome. One night, a torrential downpour floods their shelter and leaves them huddling together in the rain. Another day, Kellie suffers a panic attack and has to be comforted by EJ. Despite all of this, they keep pushing forward, determined to make it to the end of their journey.

By the time the 21 days are up, both EJ and Kellie are visibly worn down. They've lost weight, suffered from injuries, and battled extreme temperatures and weather conditions. However, they've also formed a deep bond and learned valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability. The episode ends with a reflection on their journey and the scenery around them, reminding us of the beauty and challenges of surviving in the wild.