As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best documentaries there's ever been.
It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite, among what Attenborough has done because he has done so many gems, it is the equivalent of trying to choose your favourite ice cream flavour or your favourite operatic role (for examples) and finding you can't pick. 'Natural Curiosities' is another gem of his, there is nothing artificial about it at all, it's imaginatively done and there is more than enough in every episode to make one stick with it, the curiosity factor is high. It is also very entertaining, very candid, comprehensive and very much accessible. It's very natural and wonderfully curious.
Once again, "Ferocious Fighters" does nothing to break the consistently exceptional quality and in its own way it's just as wonderful. 'Natural Curiosities' couldn't have ended in a more brilliant way.
The episode, as is the case with all the previous episodes, looks beautiful for one thing. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate and there is nothing static about it at all. The editing is smooth and succinct and the wide range habitats make for some truly eye catching scenery that are just as big in character as the animals and Attenborough himself.
One learns a lot about the animals and finds themselves rooting for them in some way too, something that has always been pleasingly apparent in Attenborough's work. This may sound like hyperbole, but it really came across that way to me.
Entertainment value is high, and as always with Attenborough "Ferocious Fighters" is incredibly informative. Found myself learning a lot and found that even familiar knowledge was expanded upon. The diversity ensures that repetition never kicks in. Like Attenborough's best work, it is easy to connect emotionally and it is hard not to be captivated by the fun, tension and pathos.
Attenborough is a huge part of the appeal, of course, and his contribution helps significantly. He is very candid, clearly knowing his stuff and knowing what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more.
"Ferocious Fighters" made me appreciate species that always fascinated me in some way but never realised how intelligent they actually were.
Remarkably, in typical Attenborough documentary fashion, a lot is covered here. Yet it never feels like "Ferocious Fighters" is trying to do too much and none of it feels under-explored.
In conclusion, brilliant end to a very natural and wonderfully curious series. 10/10 Bethany Cox
