Ep 1. Big Changes

As the fifth season of Alaska: The Last Frontier kicks off with the Big Changes episode, the Kilcher family is confronting new challenges and potential changes to their way of life deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Fans of the show know the Kilchers as a tight-knit clan who have carved out a subsistence lifestyle off the grid, but they are not immune to the pressures of modern life, whether it's dealing with a changing climate, hunting restrictions, or unexpected emergencies.

In this episode, viewers get to catch up with the family members and see how they are faring during a particularly tumultuous time. At the heart of the episode is a big decision that patriarch Atz Kilcher is wrestling with: whether to sell the family's prized piece of land, the famed "homestead" where generations of Kilchers have lived and worked. Atz has reached a point in his life where he's realizing he can't do it all, and he's considering whether it's time to pass on the homestead to someone who can take care of it better.

This decision weighs heavily on Atz and the others, as we see in scenes where they gather around the kitchen table to discuss what selling the homestead would mean. There's a clear sense of mixed emotions, as Atz recalls the countless memories and hard work that have gone into building up the homestead over the years. But there's also a practical side to the decision, as the family faces mounting bills and struggles to keep up with the upkeep on the property.

Still, nothing is ever easy on Alaska: The Last Frontier, and the show throws plenty of curveballs at the family in this episode. Atz's daughter, singer-songwriter Jewel, makes a surprise appearance via satellite to talk to her dad about her own recent health scare and urge him to take care of himself. Atz's son, Atz Lee, and his wife Jane cope with the aftermath of a terrifying ATV accident, which left Jane with a broken shoulder and ribs. They discuss how the accident has changed their priorities and made them focus more on safety and family.

Meanwhile, other members of the Kilcher clan are dealing with their own challenges. Younger son Otto and his wife Charlotte continue to struggle with their own health issues and contemplate what their future holds. Atz's brother, Nikos, brings his family to the homestead for a visit and helps out with some of the chores, giving viewers a glimpse into how another off-the-grid family manages to survive in Alaska.

Throughout the episode, we see the Kilchers working hard to maintain their way of life, whether it's hauling logs, repairing equipment, or simply cooking up a hearty meal. There's a sense of grit and determination that runs through the family, even as they face uncertain times. And while there are moments of sadness and frustration, there's also a sense of joy and togetherness that comes from living in such a rugged, beautiful place.

Ultimately, the Big Changes episode sets up a season that promises to be full of drama, heartache, and triumphs for the Kilcher family. As they confront new obstacles and tensions, viewers will be rooting for them to come out on top, and to continue to embody the hard-working, independent spirit that has made Alaska: The Last Frontier such a beloved show.