Explorer: The Last Tepui
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Explorer: The Last Tepui
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Explorer: The Last Tepui is a breathtaking documentary following a team of climbers as they attempt to explore the never-before-scaled Tepui in the Amazon jungle. The series shows how new species are be discovered through exploration and why conservationism is so important to science. There are lots of facts shared about the creatures the explorers and scientists come across, including spiders and snakes. The nearly 80-year-old scientist at the lead of that mission has trouble even bending his knees but takes on a harrowing, week-long hike through the jungle. His team is very supportive as he runs up against his limitations. The value of teamwork and communication are demonstrated (each member of the team clearly respects and listens to each other), as is the reward of setting out to do something hard and accomplishing it.
What's the Story?
In EXPLORER: THE LAST TEPUI a team led by arguably the best rock climber in the world works to fulfill the life long dream of a nearly 80-year-old biologist, to be the first people to ascend the Tepui of the Amazon jungle. The goal of the treacherous undertaking being to discover multiple new species in order to give the local government a reason to protect the highly biodiverse land.
Is It Any Good?
Watching people climb death-defying heights into the clouds is thrilling all on its own, but add in the exploration of a never before seen area of the world, plus an aging biologist's race to discover multiple new species there, and the drama is heightened to all new levels (pun intended). Explorer: The Last Tepui is a dazzlingly depiction of the team work that made such a daring mission possible. Many will recognize Alex Honnold from the Oscar-winning climbing documentary Free Solo. While there he was portrayed as somewhat of a rebellious loner, this new documentary highlights his ability to connect with those that are as passionate about the natural world as he is. Along the way he provides compelling commentary about the journey and steps up as a natural leader to the team during the climb,
The real star of the show, though, is undoubtedly the nearly 80-year-old biologist, Bruce Means, who's determined to ascend the treacherous Tepui in order to discover new species and, hopefully, lobby for the protection of the South American landscape he cares so deeply about. Through many trials and tribulations the team teaches valuable lessons about the value of science, conservationism, perseverance and, most of all, the importance of being able to adapt to unexpected obstacles. The conclusion of the journey may feel a little rushed after the palm-sweating-anxiety of the climb and, as is often the case in these types of films, the indigenous crew leading the climbers and scientist aren't given the full due they deserve. Despite the shortcomings, though, this is still a thrilling and visually stunning ode to what people can accomplish together through curiosity, courage, and teamwork.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the team members display curiosity, courage, perseverance, communication, and teamwork. Why are these all important character traits?
Talk about what happens when various members of the team face adversity. What do they do when they realize their initial plan isn't going to work? Do they give up or adapt?
Talk about the indeginous people who are briefly shown leading the climbers through the jungle. Can you tell what role they played in the mission based on the documentary? Should they have been highlighted more in the film? Why is this important?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 22, 2022
- Cast: Alex Honnold, Michael Strahan
- Network: Disney+
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Curiosity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: October 21, 2022
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