Eden: Paradise Lost

In March 2016, 23 skilled people volunteered to cut themselves off from the outside world to see what sort of society they could create. With no access to power or running water, they had to rely on their wits. Life proved too tough for some and after just three months, two left Eden.

Episode 3: Raph and Anton

Having physically removed themselves from the group by building an isolated house in the woods, Anton and Raph find themselves ostracized and criticized by almost every other member of Eden. Whilst Anton bears the brunt of the anger, there’s a belief the pair are unwilling to contribute to the community and are helping themselves to items earmarked for the group. A sense of unease builds. There’s a suggestion of an orchestrated confrontation and tensions begin to come to a head when Oli confronts them over their behavior. Anton and Raph respond by publicly goading Oli and the resulting showdown boils over into a violent and dramatic conclusion that changes the group forever.

Episode 2: Men vs Women

As three more people leave, men – for the first time – significantly outnumber women, resulting in fewer opportunities for romance to develop. However, cameraman Oli and gardener Rachel develop an intense relationship that has far reaching consequences for them and the rest of the group.

The perceived physical differences in men and women causes conflict, with some of the men suggesting they concentrate on traditionally ‘male’ roles, such as wood chopping and fishing, leaving jobs such as keeping the camp clean and washing up to the women.

The plan causes outrage and frustration, along with accusations of sexism and the formation of an alpha male mafia. An atmosphere of ‘the strong survive and the weak should leave’ pervades camp; tensions and divisions grow.

Episode 1: Mutiny

It’s summer in camp – a time when food should be plentiful but as a result of some disastrous ration decisions, hunger pervades the group. As a result, building progress is slow, although Anton and Raph continue to build a house in the woods separate to everyone else.  The group is starving and the expected shoals of fish are proving elusive. Distrust towards Anton grows when the boat used for fishing is found smashed – the fact he’s been repairing a boat he found and prefers leaves him under suspicion of sabotage.

The imminent start of the stag-hunting season gives hope but the responsibility for ending the group’s hunger weighs heavily upon Glenn’s shoulders and a lack of success leads him to question his place in Eden. Tom is also missing life on the outside. To the disappointment of the rest of the group, the pair leaves together.

As the group comes to terms with the impact of losing their hunter, Glenn experiences a change of heart and returns to Eden – an act that causes fury and rebellion.