Under no illusion that a lot is contrived. Having said that I love watching the characters of Life Below Zero, especially Ricko de Wilde's interaction with his children; the camaraderie among the Hailstones, I hope Carol continues her education; the ingenuity of Andy but Denise and Sue you're strong women! the woe and drama are a bit much though; Jesse is not very exciting but I like seeing him build stuff the new guy with the daughters timber cedar etc seem like they may work out. Bathroom and kitchen hardship vary in believability. Good family viewing especially for those who forget the meat they eat has to first be killed.