Episode 8 recap: “Divided We Fall”
There’s trouble on the horizon, and not just in the Kalahari skies. The meerkats take refuge underground as they wait for another swift but violent storm to blow over, but it’s clear that something potentially severe has already happened.
The day’s events rewind to first show things from the perspective of Rocket Dog’s new pups Nugget and his sister Beaker. They’re remarkably strong for being just four weeks old, and like most siblings, rough housing with each other is second nature. Sophie is on babysitting duty again while the other Whiskers are out and about looking for a bite to eat. Today, she’s getting assistance from Simon, one of Rocket Dog’s last pups who’s now older and eager to take on more responsibility.
Nugget and Beaker need some nourishment as well, but Sophie is not lactating and Rocket Dog could be away with the family for awhile. Simon decides the pups might enjoy something a bit heartier like a centipede, but Beaker claims the grub for herself before Nugget can get a bite. Thought the pups have yet to wander away from the safety of the burrow, Simon and Sophie decide a breakfast outing is in order.
The meal options are fairly standard, mostly just grub, though Nugget spots something much larger that whets his appetite: scorpions. Good thing Simon is close by to keep things in check – these tasty treats are a big no-no for the Kids’ Menu. Grub will have to do, but the meal is filling enough to put everyone into a food coma.
Unfortunately, it’s not the best time to catch a few Zzz’s – something rouses Sophie and sure enough, the Aztecs are only 100 yards away, led by Rocket Dog’s sister-turned-rival Maybelline. This Whiskers splinter group has yet to spot the foursome, and though it would be wise for Sophie to keep quiet, she’s overpowered by her natural instinct to sound the alarm. Now that she has the Aztecs full attention, there’s only one thing left to do – run.
Sophie and Simon try to shepherd Nugget and Beaker to the closest bolt hole ASAP. If the Aztecs catch up to them, the pups won’t stand a chance. They find a hiding place, and Sophie stands guard at the entrance while Simon crawls in deeper to investigate the digs. Right about now would be a really great time for Rocket Dog and the Whiskers to swoop in and save the day… but there’s no sight of them. Where could they be?
The answer to that question is about to be revealed. The day rewinds and now we see things from Rocket Dog’s perspective. She’s left babysitters Sophie and Simon in charge while leading the family on their morning outing for a meal. Thankfully, food is in abundant supply, which is good news for nursing Rocket Dog. All has been relatively quiet on the Kalahari front for a few weeks now, and it’s starting to look like the Whiskers might be on their way to once again reigning supreme.
During their foraging, the Whiskers come across one of their old stomping grounds that’s since been occupied by new tenants. The scent is familiar, and it doesn’t take long to figure out Maybelline and her Aztecs have been in residence. The Whiskers set about reclaiming the property, but making their mark isn’t the top priority. The discovery of the Aztecs’ presence in the burrow reveals just how closely the mob has nosed their way into Whiskers territory. If Rocket Dog doesn’t track them down before sister Maybelline discovers her newborns, their lives will be in grave danger.
It doesn’t take long for the Whiskers to track down the Aztecs, and sure enough, their headed right in the direction of the babysitting burrow. It’s time for Rocket Dog to put the pedal to the medal, and she continues the chase until the Aztecs are driven as far away from the burrow as possible. Only problem is… Nugget and Beaker are not at the burrow, and Rocket Dog has just inadvertently run her mortal enemies right into the path of her precious pups.
The bad luck continues as Simon discovers their temporary refuge has already been occupied by a snake. But with the Aztecs still hovering near the entrance and desperate to get at the pups, there’s no where to turn but Sophie and Simon have no intentions of going down without a fight.
Back at the Whiskers burrow, Rocket Dog discovers Nugget and Beaker are nowhere to be found, but as a severe storm blows in, the Whiskers are forced to take cover and halt their search. When evening begins to fall and the pups are still unaccounted for, one can only assume the worst.
The next morning, with no little ones at the homestead to keep an eye on, the entire family moves out. There’s a lone figure in the distance headed their way – it’s Sophie! She calls out to her mob and leads them to where she left Nugget and Beaker safe and sound, thanks to the heroism of their babysitters and a little help from Mother Nature – the storm forced the Aztecs to take shelter as well. But in a cruel twist of fate, Simon’s standoff with the snake did not end in his favor. Though Nugget and Beaker survived, the pups’ first outing into the big wide world has proved to be a very startling and sad experience they are not likely to forget anytime soon.
A bittersweet episode to say the least, don’t you think? Share your comments!
Meet Sarah Grace
Tonight's episode was cool! I haven't seen the Lazuli mob for a long time. I wonder if we'll see other groups this season. The Toyota's territory is near the Whiskers, for example. It was good to finally see the Attecs win a battle. Zaphod has still got it. Even though he's 9 years old, he can still fight and be a dominant male. He hasn't even been challenged for the DM position. That's the level of respect Zaphod commands. Maybelline will benefit. She couldn't have a smarter, more experienced DM by her side than her father Zaphod. Especially now that she has four pups to raise.
Posted by: Jeff | August 01, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Good show tonight. Glad the pups are out and about - except for that Eagle Owl. I thought for a second that Zaphod was going to get it, glad he's ok!!! And the four pups, named after the Beatles. That was good! Can't wait until next weeks show. Ya know, they aren't coming fast enough!
Posted by: Geoff | August 01, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Sweet there is going to be a season 5.
Posted by: Zaphod Martin | August 01, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Why does ever keep on asking the same Question what happen to Hannibal, like come on how many time do I have to say it to people that don't know. Does anyone READ the stuff I post in these Blogs.
But anyways
Hey Kimberly you wanted to know how Hannibal passed away.
Hannibal passed away from TB.
Posted by: Zaphod Martin | August 01, 2008 at 05:26 PM
I meant 'a lot of the filming in that episode was NOT Whiskers, but it was filmed at Commandos".
Sorry for the confusion! XD
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | August 01, 2008 at 09:45 AM
And a lot of that episode was showing Whiskers, it was showing Commandos... but some of it WAS Whiskers, but most of the filming was at Commandos.
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | August 01, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Murray actually immigrated back to Whiskers.
I have a pup membership. ^^ I actually won it in a contest! But you have to pay for a membership or win it in a contest... but the odds of winning it in a contest are slim.
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | August 01, 2008 at 09:42 AM
The only meerkat for simonis "little" Murray.Axle has different marks,miles & baker are at comman.,so murray had to ,but no: Murrays in Aztecs:why would he help the enemy?
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Thanks rocket dog,plus i'm also ten!I nearly share my birthday with shakespeare(DA),freud(J),einstein(DOG*).the MMbook tells you what happened between seasons.What member are you?
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 10:01 PM
What status? It depends on your finances. a Pup membership would be least expensive, a dominant would be most expensive. The prices vary because of the amount of info you'd get.
Simon could not have played by Axel because of Axel's dye marks. Dye marks are what the KMP researchers use to identify individuals.
I am actually in the middle of the MM book, I just got to the part where Flower took dominance.
Zaphod will be 10 years old (as old as me! XD) in December.
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | July 31, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Reading info on KMP,there will be a season 5
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Rocket dog,what level of membership to the FKMP should i choose?Pup,Juv.,Adult,Domi..Reply soon as possible.
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I like the site you presented.Shakespeare accidentily killed freud in possobility when they were juvs.Read the MM book!It 'll tell you tons os kats.I still fail to see why simon can't be played by Axel.Respond ASAP.Zaphod is how old?Tell me on scale to 1/12 in years.If Youssy became DOG*,He would quikly be beaten for his disability.Have you found the fate of season 5?Now lets move to the present from the past:OK,great!
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Simon's dye marks made it so that it COULD NOT be Axel.
I found the Lazuli's status on http://friends.kalahari-meerkats.com/.
I am a member of the FKMP, so I know a lot more about this than you.
And Youssarian very well could have dispersed with his injured leg.
So who WAS this meerkat killed by Shakes? I refuse to believ you 'til you tell me.
Zaphod will probably live for a long time after today. Simon was played by either Miles, Baker or Murray. NOT AXEL.
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | July 31, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Sarah could you t currently in tell us Simon story.& if your wandering,I'm currently in India,so I'll always blog a few hours before you wake up,& you blog while i'm asleep
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 03:23 AM
I want an a nswer to the question posted by RD:What did it say about the upcoming season?
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 03:16 AM
Let's pay tribute to Big Sii,Flower,Mozart Carlos,Hannibal,petal,Holly, Argon,Tarzan,Vialli,Aramis,Risca,patas,cazanna,J.d.,skinnir,kim,yousarrien,kinkaju,simon,Bad Boy Bubby& De la soul for their contributions to this manor before their death.
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 03:12 AM
Kescha meerkat,why did you copy me?And whos the other axle?
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 02:59 AM
First of all,there are records of at least one kat killed by shakes.Simon could have been an immigrant.Zaphod will probably die of age & there has no reporting on him .Shakespeare is DA (disperesd as adult).Besides,How long will Zaphod reign?Where did you find the lazuli status.Yousarrien was last seen with a badly wounded leg then dissapeared.He coudn't disperse because of his injured leg.Shakespeare was not guard during a raid that actually happened between gattaca & commandos,new evidence finds.&why wouldn't Axel play Simon while you allow miles & Baker.RocketDogWhiskers,I'd be glad if you could show evidence. Go Axel!
Posted by: Axel | July 31, 2008 at 02:57 AM
Please forgive the typoes in my previous post. =P
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | July 30, 2008 at 03:44 PM
"First of all, yousarrien died while caught by lazuli on a roving trip.Simon was probably played by mile,baker or axel.Hannibal died the same way Big Sii did,when Shakespeare gave him a virus in the fight.Shakespeare probably ended with the fate of zorro, as Ragga Muffin,Pookie,& stato dissapeared shortly after shakes.Any comments on Season 5?Remember: if Lazuli return,so could Shakespeare.But face it:Zaphod & yousarrien are DEAD."
WRONG. Zaphod is still alive, and he DM at Aztecs. Hannibal and Big Si died of TUBERCULOSIS. Shakespeare didn't kill anyone. Nobody knows hoe Youssarian died.
The Lazuli never disappeared,they are still around and doing well. Shakespeare is probably dead, IMHO.
Simon was most definitely NOT played by Axel.
Everytihng you stated in that post was completely FALSE.
Posted by: RocketDogWhiskers | July 30, 2008 at 03:43 PM
I thought this was a good episode, but I have liked them all so far. I have a question, why does it say on the 13th and last episode, finale episode? and not season finale? I know I would be devestated if this is the last season of Meerkat Manor. Can you answer that Jason? Or does anyone higher up have the answer to that? Thanks
Posted by: Keschameerkat | July 30, 2008 at 12:56 PM
First of all, yousarrien died while caught by lazuli on a roving trip.Simon was probably played by mile,baker or axel.Hannibal died the same way Big Sii did,when Shakespeare gave him a virus in the fight.Shakespeare probably ended with the fate of zorro, as Ragga Muffin,Pookie,& stato dissapeared shortly after shakes.Any comments on Season 5?Remember: if Lazuli return,so could Shakespeare.But face it:Zaphod & yousarrien are DEAD.
Posted by: Axel | July 30, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Glad the pups made it.
Sophie is really lucky to have made it out of this battle. That meerkat is tough.
RIP Simon. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Posted by: janelluvmeerkats | July 30, 2008 at 02:24 AM
It's been so long since Yousarrian disappeared. I'm beginning to think he is dead. Which would make Zaphod (I think) the only meerkat alive born in the Vivian group. The Vivian family became defunct in December 2007.
Posted by: Jeff | July 29, 2008 at 10:00 PM