Ep 1. Slow Burn

Captain Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie is back on the Bering Sea for another crab fishing season. After some initial setbacks, he's hopeful that they'll be able to pull in a good haul this year. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet is out in force as well, each captain vying to catch as much crab as possible.

However, the weather is not cooperating. A fierce storm is brewing, and the boats are forced to scramble back to port to avoid being caught in its path. The storm is particularly dangerous because it's caused by a volcanic eruption on the nearby Bogoslof Island. This creates unpredictable currents and waves that could swamp even the most seaworthy vessel.

As the fleet waits out the storm in port, tension mounts. The captains are anxious to get back out on the water and start fishing again, but they know they have to be careful. They also know that they're in a race against time – the crab season is short, and every day that they can't fish is a day lost.

Eventually, the storm subsides, and the boats head out once again. Phil and his crew are excited to start fishing, but they're also worried about the slow start to the season. They're not catching as many crab as they'd hoped, and tensions are running high. Phil is particularly irritable, snapping at his crew and questioning their abilities.

Despite these setbacks, the fleet continues to push on. Captain Keith Colburn of the Wizard sets out on a risky strategy that could either pay off big or result in disaster. His plan is to go deeper into the ocean than the other boats, hoping to catch more crab that haven't been picked over yet. This could be a huge success – but it also means navigating through treacherous waters filled with ice and unpredictable currents.

As the episode progresses, each boat faces its own challenges. Some have mechanical breakdowns that require quick thinking and creative solutions. Others struggle to pull in enough crab to make a profit. Through it all, the captains and their crews work tirelessly, sometimes going days without sleep or good meals.

Finally, the season starts to pick up. The crab begin to come in faster and more plentifully. It's a relief for everyone, but this doesn't mean that they can relax just yet. The crab season is still a precarious one, with danger always lurking just below the surface of the ocean.

The episode ends with each boat making its way back to port, their holds full of precious crab. The captains and their crews are exhausted but relieved. They've made it through another season alive, and with any luck, they'll be able to come back again next year and do it all over again.

Overall, "Slow Burn" is a tense and exciting start to the sixth season of Deadliest Catch. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing their favorite captains and crews back in action, battling the elements and fighting for their livelihoods. With its high-stakes drama and thrilling action, this episode sets the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable crab fishing season.