The Last Alaskans: Land of the Free

The Last Alaskans: Land of the Free is a unique and gripping docuseries from the Discovery Channel, first aired in 2016. Focusing on the harsh yet breathtakingly beautiful landscape of Alaska, the series offers viewers an authentic glimpse into the everyday lives of a small group of people who endure extreme conditions and solitude to live a unique, out-of-the-ordinary existence in a final American frontier.

The Last Alaskans: Land of the Free is set in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a protected and preserved area spanning 19 million acres, which also happens to be home to some of the most diverse and impressive wildlife in North America. In the middle of this vast wilderness, seven families decided to set roots in this land that tests human limits, physical strength, and mental resilience every single day.

In their 'cabins', made from locally sourced timber and often built with their own hands, these families battle weather conditions and isolation to survive. Throughout the series, audiences get to see the stark differences between the lifestyles of these few Alaskans and typical American life, granting a new perspective and deep respect for their bravery, survival skills, and adaptability.

The subjects include Heimo and Edna Korth, who are among the oldest inhabitants, having lived across various sites in the Refuge over the four past decades. Bob Harte, a Vietnam veteran, has spent 40 years in northern Alaska. The Lewis family, consisting of Ray, Cindy, and their four daughters, live off the land, their youth and vitality contrast sharply with the rugged wilderness around them. Charlie Jagow, the youngest permit holder to live in the Refuge, is also featured, along with the professional trapper Tyler and Ashley Selden, a couple who spent years learning the essential survival skills to live in such an unforgiving environment.

The Last Alaskans: Land of the Free encapsulates how these individuals and families grapple with their environment, and tackle obstacles that change with the seasons. The long and brutal winters are juxtaposed with the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, the hunting and trapping season follows the migrating game, and warmer periods offer other opportunities like fishing, gardening, maintenance, and preparation for the challenging winter ahead. The series also captures the bond these people share with nature, their respect for the wildlife, and their ceaseless efforts to sustain their way of life.

Viewers get to witness the families' intense struggle against the elements, the desperate race against time as they prepare for the drastic climatic changes, and the emotional roller coaster of dread, hope, and resilient spirit in their quest for survival. This struggle is interwoven with small victories, quiet moments of joy, and extraordinary instances of human-nature bonding that make this show a captivating watch.

Furthermore, the series provides an intimate look into the unique challenges and joys that come with raising families in these circumstances. Whether it's children learning to trap and hunt at a young age or families cherishing the limited hours of sunlight during the dark winter, the show offers insight into how life thunders on, even in the harshest corners of the world.

The Last Alaskans: Land of the Free not only pays tribute to the strength, independence, and resilience of its subjects but also creates a profound sense of appreciation for the immense beauty and brutal reality of one of the world's most secluded landscapes.

With compelling storytelling, stunning cinematography, and an immersive narrative, the series successfully delves into an almost forgotten way of life and provides a fresh perspective on the human capacity for adaptation and survival. It stands as a stark reminder of the deep, complex relationship between mankind and nature, breathing life into the notion of symbiosis and co-existence.

At its core, The Last Alaskans: Land of the Free is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and an ode to a rapidly vanishing way of life. It subtly prompts viewers to reflect on their own existence, comforts, and the human condition itself. It is an incredible journey of discovery that everyone should embark upon.