Consider the first 'Planet Earth' one of the finest documentaries ever made and one of the best series ever made on anything. A perfect representation of what makes David Attenborough so deservedly highly regarded and his remarkably consistent body of work (even his lesser work is still good) as delightful as it is.
'Planet Earth II' is every bit as exceptional (even if not quite ground-breaking) and easily a 2016 television highlight, its acclaim is more than deserved. "Cities" may be my least favourite of the six episodes, solely because for me it didn't quite have the emotional impact that the previous five episodes did which also connected with me more and the habitats more striking. With that being said, "Cities" is still great, and doesn't feel out of place within the series luckily. It may not be ground-breaking or contain as much "new" information, but it still entertains and educates, meaning that its and an in general documentary's main objectives are achieved very well.
"Cities" looks great visually and manages to make the city landscapes striking and imposing, things not always noticed when in them whether travelling through or visiting. It is gorgeously filmed, done in a completely fluid and natural, sometimes intimate way and never static.
For a composer that composes normally bombastic, rousing and pulse-racing music that is epic even in the quieter moments, Hans Zimmer's music here is a remarkably good fit. It's unmistakably Zimmer in style but throughout it not only complements the visuals but enhances them. The main theme is impossible to forget.
Even if not as completely illuminating as the previous episodes, which had a stronger balance of the old and new when it came to facts, "Cities" is still informative and thoughtful.
Nothing but credit is due too for adhering to what made 'Planet Earth' work the first time and then bringing a freshness with a few nice ideas to avoid it being too stale. Attenborough delivers all this information beautifully in a way only he can achieve, there's a soft-spoken enthusiasm, sincerity and precision about his delivery and he never preaches while knowing what to say and how and when to say it.
Like the rest of 'Planet Earth II', "Cities" in general feels like its own individual story and never feels episodic or repetitive.
In conclusion, great end to an exceptional series. 9/10 Bethany Cox
