Michael Palin's Pole to Pole Season 1 Episode 7 Evil Shadow

Michael Palin's Pole to Pole is a travel documentary series that depicts Michael Palin's adventure from the North Pole to the South Pole. The seventh episode, titled "Evil Shadow," follows Palin on his journey from Ethiopia to Kenya, exploring the beauty and culture of East Africa. With stunning visuals and captivating storytelling, the documentary delivers an immersive experience of the African landscape, wildlife, and people.

The episode starts with Palin arriving in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, where he visits the National Museum to learn about the country's rich history. He also gets a chance to meet the famous Lucy, an almost complete hominid skeleton discovered in Ethiopia. From Addis Ababa, Palin takes a flight to Lalibela, known for its magnificent rock-hewn churches, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. He attends a religious ceremony in one of the churches, which gives him an insight into the country's unique Orthodox Christian traditions.

After Lalibela, Palin travels to Axum, the ancient capital of Ethiopia, where he explores the ruins of the Kingdom of Axum. He learns about the country's mysterious historical treasures, such as the Ark of the Covenant, which the Ethiopians believe is kept in a church. Later, he visits a local market, where he bargains with the traders selling exotic spices, coffee, and textiles.

From Axum, Palin continues his journey to the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and harshest regions on Earth. The landscape is dominated by active volcanoes, salt flats, and geysers. Palin treks to the Erta Ale volcano and camps overnight near the rim, waiting to witness the lava lake's eruption. The experience is surreal, and Palin describes it as a "deeply primeval moment, when you see the Earth in the making."

Next, Palin travels to the southern part of Ethiopia, where he meets the Mursi tribe, known for their vibrant body painting and lip-plate tradition. He spends time with the tribal members, who show him their daily routines, hunting skills, and cultural practices. Palin notes the contrast between the harsh living conditions and the people's warmheartedness and hospitality.

The final destination of the episode is Kenya, where Palin visits the Amboseli National Park, home to vast herds of elephants. He goes on a safari drive and observes the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro. Palin also interacts with the Maasai people, who live in harmony with the wildlife and maintain their traditions through herding and rituals.

Throughout the episode, Palin reflects on the dark legacy of colonialism and how it has affected the African continent. He confronts the issue of poverty, inequality, and conflict that still exists in many parts of East Africa. However, he also highlights the resilience, creativity, and diversity of the people he encounters, who continue to face the challenges with optimism and hope.

In conclusion, Michael Palin's Pole to Pole season 1 episode 7, "Evil Shadow," offers a riveting depiction of East Africa's natural wonder and cultural richness. Palin's curiosity, empathy, and humor make the journey all the more engaging and insightful. The episode leaves a lasting impression of the continent's beauty, complexity, and vitality.