‘I feel like I’m going bats**t crazy,’ says a contestant within the first few minutes of Channel 4’s new survival series Alone, which makes Bear Grylls’ The Island look about as dangerous as camping in your own garden.
Alone is similar to The Island, except it follows 11 people of the public who are fully secluded in the Canadian wilderness, with only the occasional hungry bear, wolf, moose, or cougar on the hunt for its next meal for companionship.
The contenders, ranging in age from 19 to 58, are dropped off miles apart along the banks of the McKenzie River in a large forest four times the size of the United Kingdom with just a basic survival pack, a tent, and no food or water, with the goal of surviving for as long as possible.
Whoever remains standing after everyone else has given up will receive £100,000.
While comparable formats have flourished by having opposing personalities compete for leadership, the drama here stems from the complete lack of any company – even your greatest enemy would be welcomed company.
As soon as one disgruntled camper lands, she is accosted by a black bear, and none of her rivals are spared from encounters with creatures twice their size.
There isn’t a single moment for them or us to unwind. I was seized with anxiety from the minute they were left stranded, while securely watching at home on the sofa with a dish of spaghetti larger than anything they’ll eat for days.
Every second they’re alone feels as though their lives are in imminent danger, and I’m not sure how you could persuade me that they aren’t.
While the day is dangerous and unforgiving, the night is simply terrifying. With just their tent to shield them from the weather and the monsters that prowl during the night, they either sleep poorly or are terrorised by growls and heavy footfall surrounding their frail shelters.
Alone is obviously the most hazardous show on television, at least in the UK, but like any great reality television, Alone is filled with heart and laughter as well – albeit hidden deep within the utter horror.
Among the cast members are a mother and fashion designer motivated to prove she can do anything, as well as a former drug addict in her 80s looking forward to a fresh beginning.
Is it noticeably different from previous survival series? Perhaps not. However, it is far more thrilling than most – as near to The Hunger Games as television comes (there is a bow and arrow).
Thankfully, everyone survived, although it might seem incredibly lucky at times.
Alone airs Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4 and is available to stream on All 4.
Source My Celebrity Life.
