Our Planet - Ending Explained

The core "spoiler" of "Our Planet" is not a plot twist, but the relentless and unavoidable conclusion it presents: that human activity is directly and catastrophically disrupting every ecosystem on Earth. The series methodically builds this argument episode by episode. In "Frozen Worlds," the shocking reveal is the reason behind the walruses' deadly cliff climb: the sea ice they rely on for rest has vanished due to warming oceans, forcing them onto dangerously overcrowded land. This is not just a random act of nature; it is a direct consequence of climate change.

In "Jungles," the beauty of the diverse species is undercut by the revelation that these ecosystems, which are crucial for regulating the planet's health, are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Similarly, "Coastal Seas" and "The High Seas" move from showcasing vibrant coral reefs and marine life to revealing the devastating impacts of ocean warming, acidification, and overfishing. The underlying truth revealed across the series is that the seemingly pristine, isolated wonders being filmed are, in fact, deeply scarred and imperiled. The finale doesn't offer a simple resolution but reinforces the central message: the planet's stability is gone, and the future of these spectacular scenes is entirely dependent on immediate and drastic changes in human behavior. The ultimate revelation is our own culpability.

While overwhelmingly praised, "Our Planet" did face some criticism and alternative interpretations. Some critics, like Ed Power of The Telegraph, found the series visually stunning but thematically familiar, arguing it was clichéd in its portrayal of nature and lacked the groundbreaking innovations of Attenborough's previous BBC work. Another point of debate centered on the intense and often brutal depiction of animal suffering. The walrus scene, while impactful, was criticized by some parents for being too graphic and emotionally distressing for younger viewers watching with their families, prompting Netflix to add time-stamped warnings for potentially upsetting content.

Furthermore, a subtle scientific debate emerged around the walrus scene itself. While the series directly links the behavior to climate change forcing them ashore, some scientists noted that such falls have been documented in the past, even when sea ice was more plentiful. However, others who worked with the film crew confirmed that the size and frequency of these dangerous land-based "haul-outs" have dramatically increased in recent years due to shrinking ice, making such deadly events more common. This discussion highlights the complexities of attributing any single event solely to climate change, even when it fits into a larger, well-documented pattern of environmental disruption.