Watch Whale Wars
- TV-PG
- 2008
- 6 Seasons
-
6.3 (2,271)
Whale Wars is a television series that aired on Animal Planet in 2008. The show follows the efforts of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society as they try to protect whales from illegal hunting by Japanese whaling ships. The show features Paul Watson, the founder and leader of the Sea Shepherd, as he directs the organization's activities.
The show begins with the Sea Shepherd crew setting sail on their flagship vessel, the Steve Irwin, from the port of Hobart, Australia. With a large white skull and crossbones emblazoned on its bow, the Steve Irwin is tasked with disrupting the activities of the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean. The goal is to prevent the killing of any whales and force the whalers to leave.
The show is broken into episodes, each of which follows the crew as they attempt to locate the whaling ships and interfere with their operations. The Sea Shepherd uses a variety of tactics to prevent the whalers from capturing whales, including physical blockades, throwing stink bombs and acid, and launching small boats to disrupt the harpooning process.
Throughout the series, the show highlights the danger and risk that the Sea Shepherd crew faces during their efforts to protect whales. The Japanese whaling ships are armed with water cannons and have been known to ram smaller vessels, putting the lives of the crew in danger. Additionally, the extreme weather conditions of the Southern Ocean create additional challenges for the crew as they attempt to maneuver their ships and launch small boats.
The show also explores the ethical arguments surrounding whaling. The Sea Shepherd views the hunting of whales as barbaric and unnecessary, while the Japanese government defends its right to conduct whaling as part of its cultural tradition. The show features interviews with experts and advocates on both sides of the issue, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the debate.
Whale Wars is not just a show about whaling, but also explores the complex issues surrounding activism and the environment. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is a controversial organization that employs direct action tactics to achieve its goals. The show raises important questions about the effectiveness of these tactics and the line between activism and terrorism.
The crew of the Steve Irwin is presented as dedicated activists who are willing to put their lives on the line to protect the environment. The show emphasizes the personal sacrifices that the crew members make, including being away from their families for months at a time and facing physical danger. The crew members are also shown to be passionate about their cause, with many of them citing a desire to make a positive impact on the world as their motivation.
The show's production values are excellent, with stunning visuals of the Southern Ocean and high-stakes action sequences. The series also features a powerful soundtrack that emphasizes the tension and drama of the crew's efforts to stop the whaling ships.
Overall, Whale Wars is a gripping and thought-provoking series that explores the complex issues surrounding activism, the environment, and whaling. The show's focus on the personal stories of the crew members and the danger they face brings a human element to the debate, while its exploration of the ethics of whaling offers a nuanced perspective on the issue. Whether you're interested in environmental activism, animal rights, or just enjoy high-quality documentaries, Whale Wars is a must-watch series.
Whale Wars is a series that ran for 6 seasons (56 episodes) between November 7, 2008 and on Animal Planet