Deadliest Catch

With American Idol out of the way, I've finally been able to start watching one of my other favorite reality shows on television. It's the Deadliest Catch on Discovery, and who knew a show about crab fishing could be so intriguing? I didn't start watching the show until a couple of years ago but then I just so happened to turn to Discovery and watched an episode. Then I watched another and another and soon I was hooked. I think it was during a Deadliest Catch marathon and what a great way to get caught up on the show. Crab fishing is one of the deadliest jobs in the world, if not THE deadliest. And I can understand why when they deal with some unbelievable conditions. They certainly deserve the money they get when cashing in their crab deliveries.

My favorite crab boat out of the five featured on the show is the Cornelia Marie. Part of the crew is comprised of three family members, one of whom is Phil Harris, the captain of the boat. His two sons, Jake and Josh, are deckhands on the boat. They, along with a few others make for an intriguing group trying to capture as much crab as they can. Sadly, Phil Harris died earlier in the year after complications from a stroke. He initially suffered the stroke while off-loading crab at Dutch Harbor. He was medevaced to an Anchorage hospital where he was treated. Initially it appeared he would survive the stroke. But about a week later, he succumbed to the disease and died. He left behind an incredible legacy and his loss was felt across the Alaskan crab industry.

Last night's episode began to feature the initial stages of what leads up to Phil's stroke. Phil was incredible back pain and went down into the living quarters of the boat to retrieve some pain medication. Upon arriving to his sleeping quarters, he found his son, Jake, stealing his pills. That lead Phil to become unglued, calling Jake a thief and a liar, and disowning him in the process. He told Jake that once the boat arrives in the harbor, he doesn't want him to step back onto the boat ever again. Soon afterwords, Jake confesses to be an addict, and you could see the pain and shock on Phil's face at the revelation. And that's when the episode ended.

Next week's episode and those to follow before the season finale will prove to be pretty emotional. Phil's stroke will be documented on the show and I'm sure there'll be plenty of tears shed between those participating on the show and for viewers at home. Phil had a dynamic personality and wasn't afraid to speak his mind. However, he did have a soft spot inside of him and you could definitely tell his sons were a big part of his life. How special for him that he was able to spend a huge amount of time with them while crab fishing. And they were with him when he ultimately suffered the stroke and eventually died. I know it must've been very difficult for them to see him in that condition. However, I'm sure they are proud of the legacy Phil leaves behind and I bet they're pretty motivated to continue that legacy in his honor. I know I'm going to be glued to the TV set the next several Tuesdays at 9:00 PM.