All you Britphiles out there must be in seventh heaven as we’re on a bit of a BBC run lately. Hey, quality programming makes us want to watch, right?
Coming out of the BBC Canada stable this time is Great White Shark: A Living Legend. There are very few of us who are not frightened to within an inch of our lives from the mere sight (even on our television screens) of the immense Great White Shark. That is because of how little we know about them and what the average person does know about them makes us even more frightened. The only time we hear about these creatures is when they have attacked and/or killed a swimmer or surfer. Other than that they stay pretty much off our radar. Probably by choice because we are so intimidated by them.
The BBC’s famous Natural History Unit attempts along with famous shark diver Mark Rutzen to shed some light on these intriguing creatures of the deep. Because of his skill, fearlessness and knowledge of Great White Sharks Rutzen is able to get us closer than ever before to the sharks. This proximity even includes some rare footage of them feeding. Amazingly due to his years of experience with the sharks he understands how they communicate and uses his body language in order to get close to them and to stay close to them. They allow it. Rutzen used to be a fisherman and now in an about face has become a conservationist.
Several myths or misinformation about the Great White Sharks that Rutzen tries to clear up are about them attacking humans and their feeding patterns. He sheds some light on why they attack certain people and why not others. Also shows how they don’t eat haphazardly or in a frenzy rather they have and obey a strict social hierarchy. This social hierarchy while complex is still understated and that is why people with little knowledge of the creatures have misinterpreted it. Though they are creatures to be feared they are essential to the underwater ecosystem as they play a very particular and vital role.
For roughly fifty minutes these predators are under our microscope and we are invited through information and striking photography to learn about them and their lives.
Special Features: Swimming with Roboshark
