'Human Planet' is a hugely informative and exceptionally well-made series. Inevitable, though some may argue unfair, comparisons may be (have been in fact) made to the output of David Attenborough, to me 'Human Planet' is one of the better documentary series in recent years to not have Attenborough's name on it and stands wonderfully on its own, if just lacking the special magic of Attenborough's best work.
There are so many great things in 'Human Planet'. Its premise is dealt with exceptionally in every single episode, the environments, how they're lived in, how the humans adapt to the environments, the human struggles and how it all affects the environment are all interesting topics and important ones handled truly admirably. Also in a way that is illuminating but not preachy (which is a potential danger with anything environmental-themed and a danger often fallen into).
"Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle" is a great way to end. It may be my least favourite of the eight episodes, not because it's bad (it's a long way that) or not engaging (it definitely is) but because the others are so good. Do find that when it comes to nature documentaries that episodes focusing on the city can be not as illuminating and have the danger of being heavy-handed, there too have been some instances of them feeling out of place compared to the rest of their series.
This wasn't an issue here, because it suited the approach of the series in general, just wasn't as illuminated as with the rest of the series. Concept and setting-wise, it is not novel territory but the human and environmental approach made the execution feel fresh still.
When it comes to how it's written, "Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle" does just as good a job entertaining and teaching, it's all very sincerely and comprehensively done and it never feels like a sermon. There are things here that are common sense and knowledge but one does learn enough.
John Hurt's (RIP) narration delivery is similarly spot-on, very sensitively delivered and very dignified in a distinctively John Hurt way. Arguments may be made about Attenborough being a much better choice, to me Hurt was perfect and more than held his own and although Attenborough is the master of nature/life documentaries today he can't do every single one made.
Visually, "Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle" may lack the awe-inspiring, almost cinematic quality of Attenborough's best work. With that being said, it is beautifully shot, shot in a fluid, graceful and never static way, and is chock-full of strikingly memorable images. In "Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle", the scenery and mountain environment are like characters of their own, it is gorgeous to look at and has a lot of atmosphere.
Like every episode of 'Human Planet', "Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle" is appropriately scored, never intrusive or too low-key, and the different scenes are powerful in a harrowing and poignant way, not to mention very honest.
Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
