Ep 1. Back for Blood

In season 3 of Ultimate Survival Alaska, the stakes are higher than ever before. The contestants, including military veterans, mountaineers, and wilderness guides, are tasked with surviving in some of the harshest environments on the planet. The first episode of the season, titled "Back for Blood," sets the tone for what's to come.

The episode opens with the competitors arriving in a remote area of Alaska, where they are met by host Grady Powell. Powell lays out the challenge ahead: the contestants must make their way through 70 miles of grueling terrain, surviving off the land as they go. Along the way, they'll face extreme weather conditions, dangerous wildlife, and the constant threat of hypothermia.

The first challenge for the contestants is to find a way across a treacherous river. Some opt to build a makeshift raft, while others attempt to ford the river on foot. The icy waters are unforgiving, and one contestant nearly drowns before being dragged ashore by his teammates.

After crossing the river, the contestants must find food and shelter. They split up into groups and begin hunting and foraging for edible plants and animals. One team manages to catch a salmon, while another finds a cache of berries. However, they soon discover that they're not the only predators in the area; a pack of wolves is stalking them, and they must use all their wits to stay one step ahead of the hungry predators.

As night falls, the contestants must build shelters to protect themselves from the cold. One team attempts to construct a snow cave, but quickly realizes that the task is beyond their skill level. Another group builds a shelter from logs and bark, but it proves to be too drafty to keep out the frigid air. Finally, one team discovers an abandoned cabin and decides to hunker down for the night.

Despite the challenges they face, the contestants remain determined to succeed. They push themselves to their physical and mental limits, using their vast knowledge of survival techniques to stay alive and thrive in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet.

In the end, only a few of the competitors are able to make it through the first leg of the journey. The rest are forced to tap out due to injury, illness, or exhaustion. But those who remain are more determined than ever to continue on, knowing that they're only one step closer to the ultimate prize: survival in the wilds of Alaska.

"Back for Blood" is an intense, action-packed episode that sets the stage for the season to come. It showcases the resilience, ingenuity, and sheer grit of the competitors as they face one of the greatest challenges of their lives. Audiences will be on the edge of their seats, wondering who will make it through and who will fall by the wayside. It's a thrilling ride from start to finish, and a must-watch for fans of survivalist shows.