'Running Wild With Bear Grylls' Season 5 Episode 1 packs Brie Larson's adventurous spirit but fails to generate excitement
There is no dearth of travel and adventure shows on television today, with everyone striving hard to make their content stand out. However, the irony is that there is only so much one can do.
For four years and running Bear Grylls has been doing just that and done great to a certain extent. While we did have (and continue to have) interesting adventure shows, we hadn't seen many celebrities shedding their glamorous avatar and getting raw.
And then Grylls introduced us to the vulnerability of powerful people, some of whom we admire only for their grit and courage. Over the years, the former SAS serviceman made us join him on his wild ride with people like Kate Winslet, Zac Efron, Jake Gyllenhaal, and many more.
And then the biggest highlight of all seasons came with the former President of the United States, Barrack Obama. So, when such a show is extended for a fifth season, it is only natural to expect something unique every time.
Also, after four seasons on NBC, the show has found its new home on National Geographic. It is only befitting for an adventure reality show to be on a network that dedicates itself to adventure and experiencing nature in the most unique way possible.
That gave us all the more reason to get excited about the new season. Or so we thought.
The fifth installment of ‘Running Wild With Bear Grylls’ premiered with Brie Larson and Grylls on a thrilling adventure across the Gulf of Panama.
The 10-episode season opened with the Oscar-winning actor joining our host on the beach of the Pearl Island, a remote locale along the Pacific shore. We have all known Larson as the invincible Captain America.
But as Grylls points out, "the jungle terrain of Panama can be very unforgiving," no matter who treads them. They are all set to embark on a thrilling journey from one end of the island to the other, where they would be extracted by a helicopter.
Their adventure itinerary includes hiking through the forests, swimming across the shark-filled sea, or trudging through the muddy swamps and walking a tightrope touching the surface of a crocodile-infested river.
While the presence of deadly creatures like snakes, sharks, and crocodiles are enough to make the guest star (and viewers) cringe with fear, it gives out pretty much the same vibes as it has in the past seasons.
After four successful seasons, it is natural for us to expect something more, beyond the danger of wildlife, something more refreshing in terms of experience or actions.
Although the show hasn't lost touch when it comes to making celebrities undergo a little survival training with our host, it has now come to appear repetitive. Larson is quite herself, taking every task sportingly.
Along with the sticky situations that she is put in by her host, like smearing herself with swamp mud to avoid mosquito bites, she also proves her mettle with the first food dare.
The host and guest breakfast on beetle larvae followed by a fresh crab, later in the day, which, again, is nothing more unique than what we have seen earlier.
One of the most mundane things that catch your attention (or your ears for that matter) is the ominous background score, which becomes overbearing after the introductory scenes.
While we do understand that such audio effects add to the effect of "thrill and chill", it becomes too over-the-top even when there is no fast action or a suspenseful moment on Larson and Grylls' journey.
With more celebrities like Dave Bautista, Bobby Bones, Cara Delevingne, Armie Hammer, Alex Honnold, Joel McHale, Zachary Quinto, and Rob Riggle joining this season to share their adventures, and Channing Tatum returning to the show for a second time, 'Running Wild With Bear Grylls' Season 5 should ideally turn out to be promising.
But so far it has not. If you haven’t seen the previous seasons of 'Running Wild With Bear Grylls' then you might want to explore the new season and you might find it refreshing.
In simple words, if one has to define this show, it is nothing beyond 'Man vs. Wild' meets 'Fear Factor', except with A-list celebrities.
And if you are a regular fan and eagerly waiting for Season 5, it would be honest to say that you won't miss a thing if you skip it. 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls' Season 5 premieres Tuesday, November 5, at 10/9c on National Geographic.
