The ocean's deadliest predators weren't born to kill—they just got REALLY good at it.
8.0Season 1 • Episode 2
LatestEpisode 2 shows the development of the submarine in the Second World War until today. They were celebrated as a "miracle weapon" by Nazi propaganda. The myth of invincibility clung to them. The reality in the Second World War was different: Two thirds of the submariners lost their lives during the missions.
Submarines today are highly complex machines crammed with technology and weapons. As impressive as their construction is, as terrifying is their destructive power. Hardly any other weapon triggers as many emotions as the submarine. It strikes from ambush and can use nuclear missiles to drag the whole world into the abyss. Submarines originated from a completely non-military idea, namely to be able to view the world under water. But the interest in the military use of submarines soon prevailed.
Production
Rare archival footage of nuclear subs that'll haunt you.
Editing
Tight cuts between serene ocean and apocalyptic firepower.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The U-505 German submarine featured in the doc is the only captured U-boat on US soil, housed at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry since 1954—Hitler's personal orders were to scuttle rather than be captured.
The 'Thresher' and 'Scorpion' disasters mentioned in episode 2 remain partially classified; the US Navy still refuses to release full details on the Scorpion's 1968 sinking with 99 crew, fueling conspiracy theories about Soviet involvement.
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