Meerkat Manor Blog : Animal Planet

CATCH YOU ON THE FLIP SIDE!

2008-09-02T09:19:52-04:00

With all the drama that took place this season in the Kalahari, my “How I Spent My Summer Vacation” essay could easily turn into a novel. It’s hard to believe just a month or two ago, Rocket Dog’s leadership skills were questionable at best, not to mention the likelihood of the Whiskers remaining a powerhouse on the manor. Then it seemed like we were gearing up for one pup shower after another as the meerkat ladies raced to see who could give birth first to stake their claim as dominant female. The manor men had their hands full as well, with Wilson’s endless roving, Mitch’s dedication to protecting the Whiskers, Zorro’s aggressive power play within the Commandos and surprising demise, and even elder Zaphod discovering a new place to call home.

There were countless memories created in the burrow this season and I’ve had a blast giving everyone the lowdown each week – but now’s your chance to share your top highlights! Who was your favorite new character? What was the most shocking moment, or the most heartbreaking? Comments on all of the blog entries will close a week from today so speak now or forever hold your peace!

The Final Countdown

2008-08-23T08:00:00-04:00

Get ready for three times the Meerkat in one recap as we take you through the final episodes of the season!

Let’s begin with “The Rovers Return,” featuring everyone’s favorite meerkat ladies man, Wilson. This particular morning, he’s sauntering by the Commandos’ crib, but with Zorro now glued to his mother Nikita’s side, the welcome mat is not exactly out. Wilson not only needs a new place to call home, but a new group as well, hopefully one where he can take on the role of dominant male. With wingman Phillippe by his side, Wilson’s chances of succeeding are vastly improved.

It’s been a rainy summer in the Kalahari – rainy as in “torrential downpours” -- enough to make the Whiskers’ burrow look like an island rising among the tall manor grass. Whiskers’ leader Rocket Dog is in the final weeks of her pregnancy, but she’s not the only one expecting. She’s managed to evict most of her competition, with the exception of Rita as well as Wiley Kat, who is due very soon and needs to stay on Rocket Dog’s good side as long as possible. Of the other pregnant females already evicted, only Sophie remains in the vicinity. Her hopes of giving birth within the Whiskers’ safe haven have all but disappeared, but she’s still lurking close by in case the tide should turn. For now, her efforts to get back in their good graces are put on hold as an eagle in the area sends everyone running for cover.

It’s a close call, but now the Whiskers have roving Wilson and his sidekick Phillippe nosing about. Wilson is certainly popular among the Whiskers’ girls – let’s be honest, he’s likely the baby daddy for all of them (now there’s a talk show interview waiting to happen!). But Mitch doesn’t have any intention of giving up his position as dominant male, at least not without a fight. Even though Wilson has Phillippe to watch his back, the duo is no match for Mitch and his lieutenants.

Sophie has been watching the attempted coup from the sidelines, but when Wilson and his buddy dart away, she takes advantage of the situation and heads after him, hoping to spark a reunion. She gets exactly what she wished for, thanks in part to Phillippe, who distracts the Whiskers long enough for Wilson to lead Sophie to a bolt hole for a little privacy.Though Sophie has spent the afternoon with her long lost love, it turns out she’s been creeping back into the Whiskers’ burrow at night to catch some zzz’s after everyone else has gone to bed. This time, she finds pregnant Wiley Kat blocking her path, and she’s all too happy to deny her sister Sophie entry, especially if it’s going to earn brownie points with Rocket Dog. Wiley Kat's pledge of allegiance doesn’t prove to be enough – the next morning, Rocket Dog gives her the boot and it couldn’t come at a worse time because Wiley Kat is due any minute. Now the only person Wiley Kat can turn to is the very same sister she refused just the night before, but Sophie knows what it’s like to be an outcast and quickly forgives and forgets. They head below ground, as Wiley Kat’s pups could easily arrive before nightfall.

Meanwhile, Wilson and Phillippe have set their sights on Maybelline and the Aztecs but first they will need to oust her father Zaphod. He may be more of a senior citizen meerkat when it comes to the manor, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his fight. While Phillippe tries to take on Zaphod, Wilson attempts to woo Maybelline; however, both fail and it appears this dynamic duo may not be so dynamic after all.

As for Wiley Kat, her litter did indeed come during the night, but sadly none of them made it. The deaths may be a sign of things to come for Sophie as well, as pups born away from an established group rarely survive for long, if at all. Fortunately, Wilson and Phillippe return to make it a foursome, but whether or not they’ll become a force to be reckoned with remains to be seen.

In the next episode, “Home Alone,” we head back to the Whiskers’ burrow, where Rocket Dog has just given birth to four new pups. The new mom managed to evict nearly every other adult female that posed a threat prior to the pups’ arrival, with the exception of 1-year-old Rita who is expecting a litter of her own soon. Rita is also well aware that her pups would have a much better chance of survival if Rocket Dog’s litter were to conveniently “disappear.” It would be the darkest of deeds, but it’s not out of the question, so it’s a bit surprising that Rocket Dog chooses to leave Rita in charge while the rest of the group heads out to forage.

Just down the road, Sophie, Wiley Kat, Wilson and Phillippe are still together a week after first joining forces, which bodes well for Sophie’s own forthcoming litter and their chance of survival. Their good luck is temporarily thrown off by the presence of a genet, a catlike predator that fancies the undergrowth as a resting place until nightfall when it becomes more active. The Kalahari kitty cat is not a serious threat, but the foursome play it safe and take refuge in their bolt hole for the rest of the day. Later, Sophie discovers the genet has finally wandered off for greener pastures, but unfortunately, so have Wilson and Phillippe. It looks like she’ll be facing life as a single parent after all.

Meanwhile, the Whiskers return from a successful outing. Their good fortune is marred, however, when Rocket Dog heads underground to feed her pups, and she makes a grizzly discovery. The blood around Rita’s mouth confirms her worst fears. The pups are gone. It’s a shocking move, and it may prove to be a fruitless one, as Rita ends up bearing just one pup of her own, Juno. Most of the Whiskers seem indifferent to his arrival, even his own mother. In the distance, Sophie and Wiley Kat keep an eye on the situation, looking for any opportunity to make their way back into the fold to give Sophie’s forthcoming litter a chance of survival.

It looks like Sophie's persistence has paid off – three weeks later, we discover that Sophie has not only been allowed to return, but put in charge of watching wee Juno. With her own litter of three new pups – Pickle, Chips and Flashman – Sophie has also beefed up the Whiskers’ strength in numbers. Their expanding brood is threatened by vultures lurking overhead. Normally, Rocket Dog would have moved her clan to a new burrow by now, but the births caused a delay and now they have no choice but to attempt the relocation under dangerous circumstances. In the chaos, Juno is left behind, but Rita’s maternal instincts finally kick in and she helps him to safety.

And so we head into the final episode of the season, and with a title like “The Darkest Day,” one can only imagine what trouble lies ahead. For the Whiskers, it looks like it’s come in the form of a puff adder that infiltrated the burrow the night before in search of a pup buffet. Juno and Sophie’s triplets cheat death, but Rocket Dog is severely wounded in the line of duty with a snake bite to the head. Her best chance of survival is to move as little as possible, but this is no time for R&R – it’s imperative to get the pups and the rest of the group to a new burrow as soon as possible. With Rocket Dog out of commission and fighting for her life, the move is painstakingly slow and interrupted by the presence of another group in the distance. The Whiskers are forced to take cover in the nearest bolt hole until the danger passes, while Rocket Dog fears she may meet the same fate as her beloved mother Flower.

Meanwhile, over at the Commandos, Miles has returned from life as an outcast – Zorro had thrown him out earlier in the season – and he scans the group for any signs of his foe. Zorro is nowhere to be seen. Could the job of dominant male be up for grabs? Maybe, but Miles is not the only one interested in the position. Brother Baker has his eye on the prize as well, and the two soon get into a bloody battle. Nikita even gets involved for a bit, surprisingly helping Miles pin down Baker, but she eventually leaves the two males to hash it out mano-a-mano.

Back at the Whiskers’ bolt hole pit stop, things have gone from bad to worse. Not only is venom coursing through Rocket Dog’s veins and threatening to take her life, but now a mole snake is lying in wait to ambush the rest of the group as they try to make a move. Fortunately, Axel keeps the predator distracted long enough for Sophie to get the pups to safer digs. Mitch stays behind to keep vigil over his fallen sister.

The shot of a radio collar in a tree can only mean one thing: the manor has lost a leader … but who? In this case, it is not Flower’s daughter Rocket Dog, but rather her son Zorro, who not only lived by the claw, but died by it as well. Though it seems like Rocket Dog may not be far behind in meeting the same fate, she manages to muster up enough strength to catch up with her family at their new home. After three days, her swelling begins to subside and her status switches from severe to survivor. Though Sophie is waiting in the wings to take over the reins of leadership, Rocket Dog has clearly proven her power, strength and ability to overcome the odds.

An amazing end to an amazing season – be sure to share your thoughts, and come back next to week to sound off about your top moments from the entire season!

OPEN THREAD: THE SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

2008-08-22T21:45:00-04:00

Well, I don’t know about you, but the final three episodes for the season pretty much touched on everything imaginable – love, betrayal, fear, conflict, sacrifice, loss and, of course, triumph. It’s amazing how much has changed across the Kalahari since this season first began. Who knew Rocket Dog would rise to the occasion and prove to be not only a leader but a survivor, or that Zorro would make a historic power play only to have all his efforts end up in vain? Share your thoughts about tonight’s season ender and come back tomorrow for a final recap covering all three episodes.

SNEAK PEEK: THE BIG FINALE!

2008-08-21T08:00:00-04:00

Some say three’s a crowd, but I’ve always been a “the more, the merrier” type of gal, so I’m pretty psyched for the final trifecta of this season’s Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation episodes airing back-to-back tomorrow night starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Hey, wait a second … I just realized my three-episodes-in-one-sitting feast also means my weekly meerkat fix is going to come to a close. It’s sort of like when you’re reading a book you love and you’re super-eager to find out how it all plays out, but at the same time don’t want it to end. And speaking of, why must all good things come to an end? I think it would make more sense for all good things to go on and on (e.g., Meerkat, cupcakes, low humidity), and all bad things (Heidi and Spencer, I'm looking in your direction) to come to an end. I’m just saying.

Anyhoo, don’t forget to tune in tomorrow! I propose we all make a night out of it, and only prepare or serve things that come in threes or triangles, like…Neapolitan ice cream! Be sure to come back for our open thread discussion tomorrow night to share your thoughts, and check out our super-duper recap that will be posted Saturday covering all three episodes. Also, we'll have a final open thread early next week where you can sound off on your favorite moments from the entire season!

Cha-cha-cha-changes!

2008-08-16T08:00:00-04:00

Episode 10 recap: “The Birds”

The Whiskers wake up to a Kalahari air show featuring drongos catching insects on their wings. Eight-week-old pups Nugget and Beaker have never seen a display like this before. It’s time for the Whiskers to find another burrow once again, thanks to their last home being infested with parasites. Seriously, moving companies in the Kalahari could make a killing, but then again, meerkats pack light.

The mob stops for breakfast before setting out in search of new digs. Nugget and Beaker are now exclusively on solids, and a gecko omelet packs plenty of protein. I think I’ll stick with the Moons Over My Hammy, thank you very much.

Another bird swoops through the morning sky – this time, it’s a hornbill, and its large wings make it look like menacing, but as Rocket Dog knows, hornbills have little interest in meerkats as prey. Good thing too, as there’s more pups on the way – Rocket Dog is pregnant again, but she’s not the only one. All the female Whiskers are expecting, including Sophie, Wiley Kat, and even young Rita. However, Rocket Dog has no interest in a group baby shower – soon, she will evict any and everyone threatening her pups.

Over at the Commandos, Nikita’s pups are also eating solids but opt for something with a little more kick: scorpions. While a scorpion’s venom is powerful enough to kill a human, meerkats have built-in immunity. The Commandos have a thing or two to learn when it comes to sharing, though – stepdad Zorro has no intention of giving any part of his meal to the pups, while Nikita bullies Miles into giving up his grub.

The Whiskers are on the move, looking for new territory to call home. Nugget and Beaker continue foraging for themselves, a skill they’ll need to perfect now that they’re getting older, and learn that ants are much more difficult to catch than one might think. A strange call puts Beaker on high alert. It sounds like a goshawk, but turns out to be a drongo in disguise – this bird is the master when it comes to imitation, and pretty savvy when it comes to snatching away the meerkats’ meals.

Nugget wanders off solo, but the long grass doesn’t provide the most ideal vantage point for this youngster, who stands less than 8 inches tall, nor does it provide enough coverage or camouflage. A black-chested snake eagle is in the area, and when Rocket Dog raises the alarm, all are present and accounted for … except Nugget. The drongo soars in and aggressively mobs the snake eagle – the valiant move was more to protect itself, but in doing so, the bird saves the day for the meerkats as well, allowing Nugget to make his way back to the fold. With afternoon temperatures nearing 113 degrees, the Whiskers take a break from the midday heat and settle in for a nap, all except Mitch, who stands guard with one eye on his family and one eye on the sky.

There’s been drama brewing over at the Commandos as well, but all internal. Zorro is back on his brother Miles’ case for showing too much interest in Nikita. Miles is quick to the read the signs and maintains a low profile, keeping watch on his group from the edge of their territory. Nikita catches sight of him, but so does Zorro, and he wastes no time in marking Nikita with his scent and then heads straight for Miles, trapping his rival in a bolt hole with every intention of teaching him who’s boss once and for all.

The Whiskers awaken from their siesta only to discover three trespassers in the distance. Mitch mobilizes the troops, including Nugget and Beaker, who are about to get their first experience on the front line. They rise to the challenge, but the chase is a short one as the intruders quickly scurry away. It turns out to be none other than exiled Finn, along with her two pregnant sisters, who were hoping to make a return to the family fold. Three may be a crowd, but in this case, sticking together is the best option if they want to survive.

Back on Commandos’ soil, Miles survives Zorro’s ruthless attack but is now faced with life on the outskirts. It’s the first male eviction in manor history and the dawn of a new era. Zorro’s rise to dominance has been acknowledged not only by his fellow Commandos, including Nikita, but observers as well – he now spots a radio collar, an accessory that has become the ultimate symbol of power, authority and status.

Speaking of status, Rocket Dog is finally getting her family settled in their newly discovered home, and just in time, too. Soon, Nugget and Beaker will have new brothers and sisters to play with and protect. Will the Whiskers’ growing army prove to be strong enough to keep the Commandos at bay, especially now that Zorro has apparently taken over as commander-in-chief? Only three episodes remain – give me your best predictions for how it will all play out!

OPEN THREAD: THE BIRDS

2008-08-15T21:15:00-04:00

Everyone knows that most of the time on the Manor, it’s all about girl power, but this week Zorro proved there’s a new sheriff in Commando town. Even headstrong Nikita seems to be falling in line – will Zorro’s rise to dominance forever change the landscape of the Kalahari? And though Rocket Dog has more pups on the way, how can she gain strength in numbers for the Whiskers if she continues evicting her pregnant sisters? Leave your thoughts and check back tomorrow for the full recap!

Maybe It's Maybelline

2008-08-02T09:00:00-04:00

Episode 9 recap: “To the Manor Born”

The storms in the Kalahari skies may be dying down, but there’s plenty of trouble still brewing across the burrows. Maybelline and her small Aztec mob continue to wander the desert with no place to call home, having been booted by rival gangs again and again whenever they’ve tried to put down roots. Fortunately, Zaphod has stuck by her side through thick and thin, but life on the run is taking its toll on this seasoned meerkat, and things are not going to get easier any time soon. Not only is Maybelline expecting pups thanks to Wilson, but sisters Angie, Bananas, and even young EJ are all pregnant as well.

The number of forthcoming mouths to feed could be both a blessing and a curse – increasing their numbers should potentially make the Aztec mob stronger, but the pups will never survive if they can’t find a safe haven to raise them, especially in those crucial first few weeks of life. Maybelline is due any moment, but unfortunately the Aztecs current stomping grounds are none other than the Lazulis’ former homestead. A watchful Zaphod spots the rival gang (now under new management) approaching in the distance, and the Aztecs are once again faced with the decision to fight or flee – they choose the latter.

Across the way, the Commandos are gearing up for a day of foraging and babysitting. Nikita has added four new recruits to her brood, but after evicting a third of the group before the pups’ birth three weeks ago, she’s running low on helping hands. Nikita bends the rules and allows Venus to return so she can pitch in, but this formerly exiled meerkat is understandably still a bit nervous, and therefore not much of a help in the daycare department.

Meanwhile, the former Whiskers boys – Miles, Baker, Dizzy, and Duke – have managed to avoid stirring up any unpleasant reprimands from Nikita, but that doesn’t mean they’re not interested in getting her attention (and then some). Now that she’s fertile again, her dance card looks like it’s about to get very full – but not if Zorro has anything to say about it!

Back on the other side of the manor, the Aztecs have managed to flee the Lazuli for now, taking temporary refuge at a riverside bolt hole. Problem is, it’s just that – temporary. Maybelline is stuck between a rock and a hard place – she can’t go across the river bed, as that’s where sister-turned-enemy Rocket Dog has claimed her spot, but going back the other way will bring more Lazuli trouble and could prove to be disastrous. However, being homeless and pregnant isn’t an option as well, so Maybelline gathers her troops, small as the numbers might be, and her courage, and marches everyone to battle.

It doesn’t take long for the Lazuli to spy their foes, and though the tussles are fast and furious, it is Maybelline, Zaphod, and the Aztecs who claim victory. Of course, war does not come without casualties, and an injured and expecting EJ may end up paying the price, either by losing her pups or her own life. And while Maybelline’s attack on the Lazuli may have gained her group a birthing burrow, it’s going to be just as important for the Aztecs to hang on to the space over the next few weeks so her pups have a chance to survive.

The Commandos are dealing with their own battle – one for Nikita’s affection. Miles, Baker, and Dizzy all have an eye on her, but Zorro makes no bones about reminding everyone who is the dominant male. Regardless, Miles is the first to break out and make his move for the boss, and when Zorro’s back is turned, Baker tries his luck as well, but neither seems to get very far. Duke has decided to pursue other options, namely Nikita’s sister Rosie and her daughter Samba, but they have their hands full babysitting Nikita’s pups. Has Duke lost his touch with the ladies?

A few weeks pass, and Nikita’s tiny tots have doubled in size as well as attitude. They are a feisty foursome and well on their way to becoming Commandos through and through. Zorro is still right by Nikita’s side, but his persistency at protecting his woman may prove to be futile. Nikita’s pregnant again, but as she’s been sneaking in some one-on-one “grooming” time with Mitch, it’s anyone’s guess as to who the father is! As one might guess, this has made Mitch a target and his days may be numbered.

Over at the Lazuli burrow, a relatively stable past three weeks has provided new mother Maybelline just the environment she needs for safely raising her new pups: McCartney, Ringo, Lennon and Harrison! However, two of her pregnant sisters are nowhere to be found – Maybelline had no choice but to evict them in order to give her own pups the best chance for survival. Injured sister EJ has managed to nurse herself back to health after the Lazuli run-in, but as expected, lost her pups in the recovery process. Her nurturing instinct will not go to waste, though – Maybelline is all too happy to have EJ step into the role of wet nurse to keep her pups healthy. The Aztecs have expanded from seven to 11, almost rivaling Rocket Dog’s group – could this be Maybelline’s moment to steal the spotlight once and for all?

Let me know what you think!

OPEN THREAD: TO THE MANOR BORN

2008-08-01T21:15:00-04:00

I’ve heard that motherhood can inspire one to do things they never knew they were capable of, especially in times of crisis. Pregnant Maybelline certainly illustrated that concept in this week’s episode, as the threat of being homeless and due to deliver any moment proved to be her tipping point. Did the Aztecs’ successful push back on the Lazulis’ attempt to reclaim their land take you by surprise? What do you think of the new pups? And what about the drama over at the Commandos burrow, where Nikita is pregnant yet again – but this time, who’s the father? Tell me your thoughts and come back tomorrow for the full recap

One Thing Leads to Another

2008-07-26T09:00:00-04:00

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!

OPEN THREAD: DIVIDED WE FALL

2008-07-25T21:15:00-04:00

Tonight’s episode certainly was a devastating reminder about the dangers that can pop up at any moment on the Manor, even during a seemingly innocent breakfast outing. Babysitters Sophie and Simon thought they were just showing the new Whisker pups around town, but their impromptu field trip to the Kalahari IHOP proved to be a deadly decision. And in her attempt to protect her pups, Rocket Dog unfortunately ended up chasing enemies the Aztecs right into their path, with brave Simon paying the ultimate price. What did you think of tonight’s episode? Leave your comments, pay tribute to Simon, and don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the full recap.