Attenborough's Latest Masterpiece Faces Scheduling Challenges
In an era where a YouGov survey once revealed that half of Britons would decline a free trip to the moon, television commissioners face immense pressure to capture public attention. This context makes the scheduling of Kingdom, the BBC's newest David Attenborough-narrated documentary, particularly noteworthy. Unlike Blue Planet II, which was 2017's most-watched programme with 14.1 million viewers, this ambitious six-part series has been allocated a teatime slot, making way for programmes like Strictly Come Dancing.
A Five-Year African Saga Unfolds
Billed as one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the BBC's Natural History Unit, Kingdom was filmed over five years in a fertile Zambian river valley. The series focuses on the intense power struggles between four African animal families: leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and lions. The opening sequence, with animal dynasties superimposed over a map of their territory, creates a tone reminiscent of Game of Thrones, setting the stage for a narrative packed with high stakes and drama.
The Leopard Queen's Reign and Tragedy
We are introduced to Olimba, a leopard who has been the undisputed queen of the valley for a decade. The first episode follows her as she teaches her two cubs, Moyo and Mutima, essential survival skills. In a tense scene at a local mud bath, the 'courageous but quite daft' Moyo wanders perilously close to a camouflaged hippopotamus, while his sister looks on with a recognisably concerned stare. The producers cleverly use this moment as foreshadowing for the heartbreak to come.
The drama escalates when Olimba hunts to feed her cubs, only to have her prey stolen by Storm, a wild dog and rival queen, and her pack. Outnumbered, the majestic Olimba is forced to hide in a treetop—a humbling sight. In a convenient plot twist, hyenas then arrive to challenge Storm for the spoils, forcing viewers to constantly swap allegiances between Team Leopard and Team Wild Dog.
Emotional Depth and a Shocking Cliffhanger
The series does not shy away from raw emotion. In a deeply moving sequence, Olimba searches day and night for her son Moyo after he goes missing. By morning, he is found dead, with his wounds likely inflicted by a lion. Hearing a mother's call for her child, knowing he will not return, is a profoundly affecting moment, showcasing the unique power of Attenborough's storytelling.
The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, as Storm's new litter of puppies is surrounded by a pride of lions. With seven pups hidden in a den and one left behind, Attenborough teases the next instalment: "Can Storm rescue her pup in time or will it have to face the lions alone?"
While the themes of survival may feel familiar, Kingdom remains awe-inspiring, exhilarating, and deeply affecting. It is a testament to the relentless effort of Attenborough and his enormous team. Kingdom aired on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer now.
