Ep 1. Blood in the Water

In the first episode of Shark Week's 2009 season, titled "Blood in the Water," viewers are transported back in time to the 1916 shark attacks along the New Jersey coast. The episode follows the story of four separate shark attacks that occurred over the course of 12 days, which resulted in four deaths and one amputation.

The episode is narrated by author Peter Benchley, who wrote "Jaws," and features interviews with historians and experts on these events. "Blood in the Water" manages to recreate the frantic atmosphere of that summer by using newsreel footage, archival photos, and dramatic reenactments.

The episode examines the different theories behind why these shark attacks occurred, including whether or not the culprit was a single rogue shark or multiple sharks. The episode also delves into the social and cultural impact of these attacks, which left many people afraid to enter the water for years.

The episode features interviews with descendants of the victims, including the grandson of Charles Vansant, who was the first person to be killed in these attacks. The grandson speaks about the impact that the tragedy had on his family and how it affected him personally.

Another interesting aspect of the episode is the examination of the media frenzy that ensued after these attacks. This was a time before the 24-hour news cycle, and newspapers would run sensational headlines to sell papers. "Blood in the Water" looks at the role that the press played in perpetuating fear and sensationalizing the attacks.

Finally, the episode ends with a discussion of how shark attacks have changed over the years due to overfishing and climate change. The episode highlights the fact that sharks are not the mindless killing machines that they were once thought to be, but instead are vital components of the ocean ecosystem that need to be protected.

Overall, "Blood in the Water" is an engaging and informative episode of Shark Week that tells a gripping story while also providing important context for contemporary debates surrounding sharks and their conservation.