Conquest

As said many times, David Attenborough is a national treasure. He may apparently dislike the term, but it is hard to not say that about such a great presenter who has contributed significantly to some of the best programmes (of the documentary genre and overall) the BBC has ever aired/produced.

It is really hard picking favourites, let alone a definite favourite among the enormous number of gems in Attenborough's filmography. 'First Life' is not quite one of my favourites from him, there is a preference for the wildlife-oriented ones and other documentaries of his connect with me more emotionally somewhat. Nonetheless, 'First Life' is still great and in terms of the theme and the questions it raises it is very important. Learnt a lot from it and it is very much important and relevant.

Exploring the likes of animal diversity through fossils, "Conquest" makes for a splendid second part that epitomises all of the above. "Conquest" is a detailed and honest look at the origin of life and the investigation of the evidence is very thoughtful and comprehensive.

As always with Attenborough, "Conquest" looks great. It is beautifully filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate, way and never looking static. The editing is always succinct and smooth.

The music score fits very well, never overly grandiose while never being inappropriate while also being a beautiful score in its own right.

Narration and presenting by Attenborough helps significantly. He clearly knows his stuff and knows what to say and how to say it. He delivers it with his usual richness, soft-spoken enthusiasm and sincerity, never talking down to the viewer and keeping them riveted and wanting to know more.

One cares about the information given and the episode is paced and structured beautifully.

In summary, lives up to the first part "Arrival" brilliantly. 9/10 Bethany Cox