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Reckoning

Episode 6 of 6

As everyone faces the final reckoning, the great river crossing begins. Gnu and Shani’s foal are tested by crocodiles. Duma must save his mother. Does Kali find happiness at last?

Gnu, the wildebeest calf, and Shani’s foal face the greatest challenge of their young lives. They must cross the treacherous river. Shani and her foal are first to attempt the crossing, but the crocodiles have been waiting for this moment. If her foal survives, another huge challenge awaits – a wall of angry hippos will be blocking his way.

Tamu, the young gazelle, is now orphaned and trying to stay alive. Zalika is the first in line to try her luck, but Tamu learnt a trick or two from his mother.

Bakari has quelled the rebellion for now, but with the sudden arrival of thousands of wildebeest and zebra, finding a way through the herds is dangerous for all. Bakari must lead them all safely back to his old home.

When Aiysha gets injured during a hunt, her family’s fate hangs in the balance. The cubs are still inexperienced hunters and their situation looks dire. Can Duma pick up the mantle and provide for his family?

Kali is still being followed by Askari, but he’s not quite as threatening as he once seemed. Just as romance appears to be blossoming, their liaison is interrupted by angry buffalo and later by elephants. Could Kali’s old enemy become the protector she has always longed for?

Gnu still has to cross the river, but a seemingly insurmountable series of challenges awaits. First, he faces a suicidal drop from sheer cliffs to the river below, and that’s before he tackles the treacherous currents and meets the waiting crocodiles. Even getting out is a near impossible task as the sheer number of wildebeest creates a deadly blockade. In the chaos, he becomes separated from his mother. Has she succumbed to the fate of so many others?

As the series comes to a dramatic end, there is hope for the future. The neverending story of life on the plains continues.

Storyteller Lupita Nyong'o
Created & Produced by Simon Fuller
Directed & Produced by John Downer

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58 minutes

Audio described

Last on

Tue 3 Oct 2023 16:15

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Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:55

    Hansi Hinterseer

    Still, Still, Still

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Lupita Nyong'o
Photographer Warren Samuels
Photographer Matthew Goodman
Photographer Richard Jones
Photographer Luke Gent
Editor Stuart Napier
Editor Imogen Pollard
Music Will Gregory
Producer Gabriella Russell
Producer Philip Dalton
Executive Producer Simon Fuller
Executive Producer John Downer

Broadcasts

How we made Serengeti

How we made Serengeti

The process of bringing the dramatised Natural History series to the screen.