Captain Phil Harris' final 'Deadliest Catch' episode sets records
Captain Phil Harris died on last night's episode of "Deadliest Catch" and 8.5 million people tuned in to see how Discovery and the show's producers handled this delicate matter.
That's not just a record audience for the series, but it also made the episode the third-most-watched telecast in Discovery history -- behind "Raising the Mammoth" and "Walking With Dinosaurs," which both aired in 2000.
I know I'm still thinking about Josh Harris' sad call to his brother, Jake, in rehab to let him know their father had passed away. That the Cornelia Marie captain died Feb. 9 seemed an especially cruel turn of fate, since it appeared his health was improving. Viewers had just seen the beautiful goodbye scene with Josh and his father: Captain Phil kissed his hand and put it to his son's face, and then Josh leaned down and kissed his father's forehead.
Josh Harris wasn't expecting that to be their final goodbye, but it was. And it was the viewers' final goodbye too. After Josh left, the cameras showed Captain Harris staring out the window at a beautiful view of Anchorage, and that was it.
Whatever new health crisis erupted, viewers didn't see it. We just saw Josh Harris reacting to the news of it, returning to the hospital, praying for his father, and then his phone call to Jake.
It was incredibly moving and, considering that this had never happened on a reality show before, executive producer Thom Beers should be commended for his respectful treatment of the Harris family and his viewers.
Discovery will air a two-hour tribute to the famous fisherman next Tuesday at 9 p.m.
You can watch the last seven minutes of Tuesday night's episode, "Redemption Day" below:
-- Maria Elena Fernandez
twitter.com/writerchica
Video credit: YouTube
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R.I.P phil u will be truly missed thinking of your boys and rest of the family you are a legend in the crabing industry it has been a pleasure watching u on deadliest catch xxxxxxxxxxxx all our love lisa frank kyle. caterham surrey
Posted by: lisa frank kyle | October 22, 2010 at 01:44 PM
RIP Captain Phil, you are at peace now. You were a great guy and it was so moving to watch your final episode tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with Phil's family and I'm sure the boys will get the Cornelia Marie back in the high seas. Discovery filmed all the scenes with such sensitivity.
Alethea - Morecambe, UK
Posted by: Alethea | October 26, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Thats th saddest thing ive ever seen on tv.Phil harris is a legend!I need to spend more time with my dad and tel him how much i love him!im sorry for your loss jake and josh.Just cherish the good memories.its a sad world we live in!
Posted by: Jamie fenton | October 26, 2010 at 03:30 PM
captain phil was a gem .
we have only witnessed the star [ phils ] passing in the uk ..
my god phil , we miss you already
Posted by: graeme | October 27, 2010 at 05:05 PM
phil , phil , phil , phil
Posted by: graeme | October 27, 2010 at 05:07 PM
i watched you on tuesday phil it was so moving it brought a tear to my eye ;you were credit to your crew and sons; and you were a true pro at your job; R.I.P
Posted by: barrie HULL ENGLAND | October 28, 2010 at 04:05 PM
Here in England this episode was only shown this last week.
I was moved to tears by the sheer emotion. The sensitive and compassionate way that it was handled. Very powerful stuff. I wish we had more shows on T.V. of this ilk over here, instead of the dross the BBC usually feed us.
The show has lost a star, but Phil will shine through his sons Jake and Josh. R.I.P. Captain Phil Harris.
Posted by: Colin Whitaker, Lancashire England | October 29, 2010 at 04:50 AM
rip captain phil...i watch ya programme most off the time! it wont be the same..
Daz (united kingdom)
Posted by: daz | November 03, 2010 at 01:01 PM
I would just like to pass on my condolences to the Harris family. Me, my wife and kids have watched the program for some years now and the Cornelia Marie is my daughters favourite boat. After watching last nights episode there were tears and it was like we had lost an old friend. R.I.P. Captain Phil and god bless your family.
Posted by: Mick Kkilleen | November 03, 2010 at 01:33 PM
this episode was the most touching and moving that i have seen. i am saddened for both Jake and Josh to have lost there father. i ams ure he would be proud of them. God rest Phil.
Posted by: Rebecca | November 04, 2010 at 05:55 AM
R.I.P phil you will be greatly missed. thinking of the family
Posted by: Lance Northcott (New Zealand) | November 04, 2010 at 07:40 PM
Rest in peace Phil we will miss you, Josh and Jake keep going boys Dad would want you to, All the best to your Family
Posted by: Brian and Kath Clark | November 05, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I am so saddened to see Capt Phil pass so suddenly. A great captain in the wildest seas in the world.
It was such a surreal experience to follows the boys emotional ride to the final moment of their dads life.
We as the viewing public are so privileged to travel such a personal journey with the family and crew of the Cornelia Marie.
Our thoughts are with them and also the Discovery film crews involved with Cornelia Marie. They would have had a very hard time so lets not forget them.
We will miss you Phil and your great sense of humor and great skills on the Bering sea.
Posted by: Rick Petersen | November 06, 2010 at 11:38 PM
RIP Capt Phil.
Thanks for the memories and sharing part of your life with us.
In the words of Yul Bryner "Whatever you do , don't smoke"
Posted by: Graham | November 13, 2010 at 11:32 PM
God bless you Captain Phil.
My prayers go out to the family.
Verry mutch Thanks from Germany
sorry for my english...
I miss you,,,,,,,so mutch......
Posted by: Fred Eichhorn | November 24, 2010 at 09:44 AM