Ep 9. Tiger Island

The Operatives season 2 episode 9, titled "Tiger Island," follows an elite team of activists, adventurers, and former military operatives as they journey to the remote island of Sumatra in Indonesia on a mission to combat the illegal wildlife trade. Led by former U.S. Navy SEAL Joel Lambert, the team includes wildlife biologist and conservationist Karina Oliani, skilled survivalist John Hudson, and expert climber and adventurer Scotty Bob.

Their mission on Tiger Island is to gather intelligence on the poachers and traffickers who are capturing and selling critically endangered tigers, and to disrupt their operations by any means necessary. The team sets up a base camp in the heart of the jungle, and spends several days gathering evidence of the illegal trade. They set up hidden cameras and drones to capture video footage of the poachers in action, and even go undercover to infiltrate a local market where tiger parts are being sold.

As they gather more intelligence, the team begins to see just how complex and entrenched the illegal wildlife trade has become. They encounter corrupt government officials, shady middlemen, and ruthless criminal organizations, all working together to profit from the destruction of endangered species. The team's efforts to disrupt this network are met with resistance at every turn, as they navigate dangerous terrain, evade hostile locals, and stay one step ahead of the poachers.

One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when the team comes face-to-face with a live tiger that has been captured by the poachers. They must decide whether to release the animal back into the wild or risk their mission by taking it into protective custody. The tense standoff between the team and the poachers underscores the high stakes of their mission and the importance of saving these majestic creatures from extinction.

Throughout the episode, we see the human cost of the illegal wildlife trade. The team talks to locals who have lost loved ones to tiger attacks, and witness the devastating effects of deforestation and habitat loss on the island's fragile ecosystem. They also meet inspiring conservationists and activists who are working tirelessly to protect the island's wildlife and raise awareness about the urgent need for action.

Ultimately, the team's mission on Tiger Island is a success, as they gather enough evidence to help local authorities crack down on the illegal wildlife trade. But the episode leaves us with a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat facing endangered species around the world, and the urgent need for more action to protect them.

Overall, "Tiger Island" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of The Operatives that shines a light on the urgent issue of wildlife conservation. The team's bravery and determination in the face of overwhelming odds is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, and the episode is a powerful call to action for viewers to get involved and help protect some of the world's most precious species.