Ep 4. The Deep South

In this episode of Brazil With Michael Palin, titled "The Deep South," the intrepid travel writer and his team journey to the southernmost state in Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul. Known for its gaucho culture and rugged frontier landscape, Rio Grande do Sul offers a glimpse into a distinct way of life that is unique to this region.

The episode begins with Palin meeting with a group of gauchos, or cowboys, who still practice a traditional way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation. They show him how to herd cattle on horseback and demonstrate some of their rodeo skills. Palin is struck by the deep connections the people of Rio Grande do Sul have to the land and the animals they raise.

Next, Palin and his team visit a farm where they witness a unique style of horsemanship called "doma." This involves training horses to perform various maneuvers and tricks, such as jumping through a ring of fire or rearing up on their hind legs. The farm owner explains that this style of horsemanship is a way of preserving the gaucho culture and keeping it alive for future generations.

From there, the team travels to the city of Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. There, they visit a group of youngsters who are learning how to play a type of music called "vaneira" which is characteristic of the region. The music is played on a variety of instruments including guitar, accordion, and drums and is similar to country and western music in the United States.

Palin speaks with the young musicians and learns about their lives and aspirations. He is impressed by their passion for music and their determination to preserve the cultural heritage of Rio Grande do Sul.

The episode concludes with Palin visiting the stunning coastline of Rio Grande do Sul, where he is struck by the beauty of the steep cliffs and the power of the ocean. He speaks with locals who make their living from the sea, such as fishermen and mussel farmers, and learns about the challenges facing these communities in an era of climate change and environmental degradation.

Overall, "The Deep South" is a poignant and insightful look at a cultural and geographical region that is often overlooked by visitors to Brazil. Palin does an excellent job of immersing himself in the unique way of life of Rio Grande do Sul, and his interviews with locals provide a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of this fascinating region.