In the third episode of the series, the intricate social dynamics of the Ngogo chimpanzee community come to a head. Decades of growth and dominance have made this the largest known chimp group, but internal rivalries lead to a significant schism, with a faction of males breaking away to form their own group, the Westerners. Once comrades, these chimps now face each other as deadly enemies. The tension escalates with the mysterious death of Pork Pie, leaving the central chimps in a state of heightened alert and mourning, while leadership struggles and territorial disputes intensify within both factions.
As the Westerners grow bolder, driven by the likes of Richmond and the ambitious Rollins, they encroach further into central territory, setting the stage for an inevitable clash. Amidst the power plays, we witness the personal struggles of individuals like Jackson, the embattled alpha, and Bartoli, who must protect her son Herzog from the looming threat.
This episode masterfully captures the raw emotion and brutal reality of chimpanzee warfare, leaving viewers on edge as alliances are tested and the fight for dominance reaches a fever pitch.