Ep 4. Next of Kin

In Walking with Prehistoric Beasts season 1 episode 4 titled "Next of Kin," viewers are transported back in time to explore the world of early mammals. The episode focuses on two species in particular: the Entelodont and the Gastornis.

The Entelodont, more commonly known as the "Hell Pig," is a fearsome predator that roamed the earth during the Eocene era, roughly 37-49 million years ago. The Gastornis, also known as the "Terror Bird," is a massive flightless bird that lived during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, roughly 56-33.9 million years ago.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the daily struggles and triumphs of these two animals, following them from birth to adulthood and into their eventual decline. We see the Entelodont hunt for prey, scavenge for food, and engage in battles with other predators in their quest for survival.

Meanwhile, the Gastornis navigates the lush forests of the Eocene era, using its impressive size and strength to defend itself against predators and hunt for prey. As the episode progresses, the two species' paths inevitably cross, leading to intense and sometimes deadly encounters.

Along the way, the episode explores the wider context of the early mammal world, showing viewers the other creatures that existed alongside these two fearsome species. There are giant snakes, massive crocodiles, and other mammals, including early horses and rodents.

As always with Walking with Prehistoric Beasts, the visuals and sound design are of the highest quality. The computer-generated imagery and animatronics bring the animals to life in vivid detail, making viewers feel as though they are witnessing these fascinating creatures in person.

At the same time, the episode features expert narration and scientific commentary, providing valuable insights into the behavior and evolution of these ancient animals. Overall, "Next of Kin" is a riveting and educational journey into the world of early mammals, one that is sure to captivate viewers of all ages and interests.