Ep 12. Extreme Arctic

In season 17 episode 12 of Deadliest Catch, titled "Extreme Arctic," viewers are taken on a nail-biting journey with the crews of the various crab fishing boats as they traverse some of the roughest and most dangerous waters on earth. The episode follows the captains and crew of the Northwestern, the F/V Wizard, and several other ships as they make their way through the merciless Bering Sea, battling powerful storm systems, high winds, and freezing temperatures in their quest to catch as many king crabs as possible.

The episode opens with a dramatic look at the storm systems sweeping through the Bering Sea, causing massive waves to crash against the fishing boats as they fight to stay afloat. We see the Northwestern and the Wizard, each towing multiple crab pots behind them, being tossed around on the choppy waters, their crew fighting to keep everything in working order amidst the chaos. The episode then focuses on the individual struggles of each fishing boat, highlighting their unique challenges and victories along the way.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to an intimate look at the lives of the crew members, as they battle sickness, injury, and exhaustion in their attempt to bring in as many crabs as possible. We see the heated conflicts between crew members on the Wizard, as tensions run high in the cramped quarters of the ship. We witness the heartbreak as a crew member on the Northwestern is forced to leave the boat due to a medical emergency. And we experience the thrill of victory as one boat manages to bring in a record haul of crab, despite the odds against them.

But while the crew members' individual stories are certainly compelling, the real star of "Extreme Arctic" is the stunning and treacherous landscape itself. With sweeping aerial shots of the massive waves crashing against the boats, and close-up looks at the icy waters as they wash over the decks, viewers get a true sense of just how dangerous and awe-inspiring the Bering Sea can be. Throughout the episode, we see the crew members clinging to the handrails for dear life as they work to keep everything in order, while the winds howl and the waves continue to batter the boat. We feel the cold as the camera lingers on the ice-covered fishing gear, and we can almost taste the saltwater spray as the boats lurch through the surge.

Overall, "Extreme Arctic" is a gripping and immersive episode that really captures the essence of what makes Deadliest Catch such a compelling show. With stunning cinematography, captivating storytelling, and heart-stopping action, it's a must-watch for fans of the series, and a great introduction for newcomers looking to dive into the wild world of crab fishing in one of the most dangerous places on the planet.