The first scene in “Cities,” the final episode of Planet Earth II, looks like a chase scene out of a James Bond movie. But instead of Daniel Craig, you’ve got a bunch of fighting langurs battling high above the city of Jodhpur, India. The music thumps, the camera soars, and if you watch on a big enough screen, it feels like you’re leaping from rooftops alongside them.
“Cities” represents a new sort of endeavor for the Planet Earth team. Their latest study of animals looks at how cities change and shape animals, how animals survive (or don’t) in urban environments, and how humans can improve the relationship. It’s thrilling and touching, and features a surprising amount of turtle gore. We continue our ongoing coverage of this wonderful series, we talk to Fredi Devas, who directed and produced the finale, about the experience of exploring these newest of habitats.
You can watch Planet Earth II on BBC America each Saturday at 9 pm. You can even watch the premiere free on BBC America’s website. We love it, so check out our Planet Earth II coverage, and be sure to come back for discussions of other episodes. We still have lots of questions. If you do too, send the hosts feedback on their personal Twitter feeds (David Pierce is @pierce, and Michael Calore is @snackfight) or bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab.