The Nature of Things: Season 21
Season 21 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Nature of Things Season 20.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 21 Progress Shield
Volcanoes / Hovercraft / Curve Balls / Windshear / Xerography
Oct 8, 1980
Volcanoes: A look at the geological formation and environmental impact of volcanoes, focusing on the 1980 eruptions of Mt. St. Helens in Washington. Hovercraft: New uses for air-cu
Cystic Fibrosis / Whooping Crane / Cold-Water Survival
Oct 15, 1980
A report on cystic fibrosis, a genetic respiratory ailment that afflicts young people; the International Crane Foundation's work to save endangered species of birds is documented;
Skin – The Bare Necessity / Manatees / Ludhiana
Oct 22, 1980
Three films are featured: Skin – The Bare Necessity, dealing with the human skin; Manatees, concerning a unique vegetarian creature which lives in coastal waters, and Ludhiana, a p
Tar Wars
Oct 29, 1980
The geology and relative impact of the Athabasca Tar Sands are examined, along with the problems involved in the extraction of oil from the deeper deposits
Going Without Gas / Surface Tension / Science Fair
Nov 5, 1980
Going Without Gas: A look at recent developments in designing cars that run on fuels other than petroleum, such as methanol, ethanol, electricity, hydrocarbons and hydrogen. Surfac
China Now – Its Roots in the Past (Part 1 of 2)
Nov 12, 1980
The lifestyle and culture of modern China are highlighted in a study of the educational system and medical techniques of the country; visits to the seaport of Qingdao and the ancie
China Now – The Four Modernizations (Part 2 of 2)
Nov 19, 1980
The professional and recreational activities of the Chinese people are examined in a tour of their homes, factories and parks, as well as the palaces which were formerly the homes
Success Story / Sickle Cell Anemia
Nov 26, 1980
A magazine edition: Success Story: a film by nature photographer John Carey about the insect world and the ability of insects to survive hostile forces of man and nature. Sickle Ce
Freak Waves / Invisible Astronomy / Hildebrand
Dec 3, 1980
Freak Waves: A report on work at the Canadian National Research Council into wave formations that can engulf oil rigs or large vessels, even when weather conditions are relatively
Prenatal Diagnosis / Hearing in Chinchillas
Dec 10, 1980
Prenatal Diagnosis: Presents new techniques to examine the fetus while still in the womb to determine its sex and detect possible defects. Hearing in Chinchillas: A look at the sim
AAAS Report / One of the Family / Oyster Culture
Jan 7, 1981
AAAS Report: Scientists gathering in Toronto for a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science are interviewed about the role of the scientific community in
Birds' Eggs / Newfoundland Oil / John Polanyi
Jan 14, 1981
Birds' Eggs: A look at the many ways that egg shells protect and aid embryonic development of birds. Newfoundland Oil: The technical difficulties and possible environmental and soc
Poisoned Playgrounds / Charlie
Jan 28, 1981
The actions taken by Ontario parents when insecticide spraying at a school proved hazardous to their children's health are examined, and in a repeat showing of the film "Charlie",
The Moving Still
Feb 11, 1981
A look at the history of scientific photography from its beginnings in 1837 to the present-day use of high-speed cameras
Sri Lanka: Island of Serendib
Feb 18, 1981
A documentary on Sri Lanka, its wildlife and culture and the changes taking place as technological development erodes traditional ways of life.
Blackfly / Desalination / Memory – Come to think of it / Dr. Karl Illmensee
Mar 11, 1981
Blackfly: A look at the life cycle of the blackfly, and its effects in northern Canada and Africa. Desalination: A practical method of desalination using reverse osmosis is present
The Foxes' Earth
Mar 25, 1981
For centuries the people of the village of Huasicancha in Peru lived under the domination of others, from the last of the Inca rulers to the Spanish conquerors and subsequent regim