Ep 18. Stalked On The Savannah Part 1

In the season 10 episode 18 of Naked and Afraid, titled "Stalked on the Savannah Part 1," two survivalists, Don and Bo, are dropped in the South African savannah, where they face extreme conditions, hunger, predators, and their own inner demons.

Don is an Army veteran with impressive survival skills, while Bo is a former prisoner who wants to prove he can overcome his past and offer a better life for his family. The two men are given only one item each, a machete and a fishing line, respectively, and no clothes or food. They cover their private parts with leaves and start their journey into the unknown.

The first challenge they encounter is finding water, as the sun beats down on them and their mouth feels parched. Don spots a river but warns Bo that it might be infested with crocodiles. Bo is hesitant, but Don persuades him that it's their best bet. They navigate through dense vegetation and steep banks, cutting their way through thorns and vines, to reach the river.

Once there, they use the fishing line to fashion a makeshift net and try to catch some fish. Bo is delighted to have caught a small one, but Don reminds him that it won't be enough to sustain them for long. They need a steady source of protein and must adapt their strategy to the environment.

The second challenge is building a shelter for the night. Don decides to construct a lean-to using branches and grass, while Bo collects firewood and tries to start a blaze. However, he struggles to ignite it and feels frustrated. Don urges him to keep trying and not give up, but Bo feels defeated.

While they huddle under their shelter, Don opens up about his war experiences and how they've haunted him. He tells Bo that he used to have severe anxiety attacks and had to undergo therapy to cope. Bo sympathizes with him and shares his own struggles with addiction and criminal behavior. He wants to show his children that he can change and make a difference.

The third challenge hits them at night, as they hear eerie noises and see glowing eyes in the bushes. Don is convinced that it's a predator stalking them, maybe a lion or a hyena. Bo gets scared and clings to Don, who tries to reassure him that they must stay alert but not panic. They grab their machete and knife, and Don keeps watch while Bo dozes off.

The fourth challenge comes in the form of hunger, which gnaws at their bellies and their morale. They haven't eaten a proper meal in days, and their energy levels are low. Don suggests they look for fruits or nuts, but they find mostly poisonous plants. Bo suggests they hunt for game, but Don doubts they can catch something using the fishing line. They are at a standstill.

The fifth challenge is mental, as they start to doubt their own abilities and wonder if they will make it out alive. Bo admits he never imagined survival would be so tough and that he misses his family dearly. Don tries to uplift his spirits and motivate him not to give up. They talk about their dreams and their fears, forming a bond that transcends their different backgrounds.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as the camera shows a close-up of a predator lurking in the bushes and the two men unaware. The viewers are left wondering what will happen next and whether they will face their worst nightmare.

Overall, "Stalked on the Savannah Part 1" is a riveting episode of Naked and Afraid that tests the limits of human endurance and resilience. The survivalists face multiple challenges, physical, emotional, and psychological, and must find creative solutions to survive. The episode also highlights the importance of teamwork, communication, and trust in extreme situations.