We have now seen the first two episodes of Season 7′s “Deadliest Catch”, including the two hour premiere episode on April 12th. The LA Times wrote that the first episode was the “top-rated prime-time show on cable” for the night.
I read a lot of the television reviews of the “Deadliest Catch”, both from professional news sites and amateur blogs. So, if you’ve written a blog about the Cornelia Marie, there’s a good chance I’ve read it.
The reviews are generally very positive for the new season, with a few consistent comments coming from most writers. The first two most read comments are “The show is not the same without Capt. Phil” and “The new Capt. is not working”. Mandi Bierly from EW.com addresses both of these points with her review:
“We’re now three hours into season 7 of Discovery’s Deadliest Catch, and I’m officially missing the late Capt. Phil Harris. After last season — the final half of which was so moving it made viewers feel sorry for people who weren’t tuning in — it was hard to look at this series as just a TV show. That’s a fact I know to be true. When I joined Time Bandit captain Johnathan Hillstrand in New York last week to live blog the season premiere with his brother Andy and Northwestern captain Sig Hansen, John told me he was afraid new Cornelia Marie captain Derrick Ray would come off as a villain when really, he’s just doing what he needs to do to keep that boat afloat and the boys in line.”
Ms. Bierly goes on to write a good review if you need to catch up with what’s happened so far this season. Read here.
One of the most unusual, and humorous reviews came from this blog. The author is an Alaskan fisherman from Kodiak. His writing tends to wander, but he also noticed another widely commented remark, “Where is Wild Bill and the FV Kodiak?”
“Wild Bill was noticeably absent from the show and he might be the “character” I get the biggest kick out of. And where is the chew? Do all these mudderphutters smoke over spit? Almost everyone I knows in the biz is Copenhagen powered. That’s not an endorsement by the way. You should see my dipping ladies in Dillingham.”
Finally, the biggest surprise so far this season hasn’t come from the show! We just discovered the song “Ode to Phil”, written and performed by none other than Capt. Andy from the “FV Time Bandit”. Thank you Andy for a beautiful song. You can download the song from itunes here. Capt. Andy talked about the song in a recent Zap2it article.
“I wrote two songs,” he tells Zap2it. “The night after Phil died on the show, I was feeling weird. I went to sleep, and I woke up, had it all in my head. I wrote an ‘Ode to Phil’ and ‘Fishing Man’s Life.’ I just woke up, and I had all the words in my head.”
Hillstrand hopes to get the chance to perform “Fishing Man’s Life” on the “Deadliest Catch’s” companion-roundtable show, “After the Catch,” which starts later in the season, and to have “Ode to Phil” available on iTunes
“I’m not that great of a singer,” he says, “but when you hear the words and you hear the guitar playing, then you hear what I say … I would tell you if it’s a bad song, but they’re really good songs. One, I’m just saying goodbye to my buddy; and the other one just talks about kicking ass and fishing.”
From My Heart: Every day I miss you Phil Harris. Every day repeats in Holland of Deadliest Catch hurt to see you in your seat on the CM. But still I watch, it’s an attraction not to describe…
For me it’s hard but my heart goes out to the sons, friends and family.
Thankful for what we have enjoyed and sad for what we are missing. You did what you loved and would never want to miss fish! A life without fish was not an option for you! You have touched so many hearts and you Always have a place forever in my heart. We pay attention to your sons, do not worry! With love
#teamcorneliamarie 4-life
Oh Andy … what an amazing tribute you’ve given to everyone. Very nice, and I’d download it if it were on iTunes
Thanks Andy!!! We couldn’t have said it any better. RIP Captain Phil, we miss ya!! <3
wow LOVE IT
Wow that made me cry that was so awesome
Andy, I thought the song was very appropriate a great tribute. Having lost my Dad at an early age… he was 56… I can really relate. And though my dad was a tree-man, I actually feel a lot of similarities between my Dad and Phil.
Thank you so much for sharing! I pray for all you out there working the mighty seas! Stay strong and keep on fishing brother!
-Tara in St. Louis
great song Andy it is so true the words u say…. RIP Capt. Phil u are defiantly missed
It still breaks my heart and it amazes me of how much I could love someone, that I only new from television. Captain Phil, you will always be remembered and held close in our hearts. I know that you’ll watch over Josh & Jake, your brothers of the Bering Sea will, and there are many of us fans that will to. If either of them need anything, all they have to do is ask. I know I may not be family, but Phil sure the hell was like family to me. I envy those who knew him personally, and would love to hear stories about him. I’m proud of both of you boys/men, as a mother here. I know for damn sure Phil was grinning ear to ear watching you fish. When that wind of “crab farts” comes up, you and all of us, will have a great laugh. Thank you boys for sharing Phil with us. It is an honor. Captain Andy, thank you for such a heart felt song. I still can’t listen to it without crying, but there will be a day that I can. I thank you for that. May God keep you all safe in his arms. Love, Amy in Spokane, Wa.
I loved the song. Capt. Phil is truly missed and touched many hearts around the world. Thanks for sharing this with us! It sure did bring tears to my eyes! The show is not the same without him.
although i would have loved to serve on the time bandit,i truely respect phil harris and the c/m,i genuine guy with good family values and a heart of gold,god bless you phil,RIP.
You might not have a good voice but the song is really good. I loved it and good job on the song.
great job andy, glad to have you and jonathon to watch this year
well done andy,a nice gesture to a brilliant guy and father,thank you.
I love it. Very well written song, for A man who was one of the best at his work. I miss his Philisms and the crab farts. It actually brought a tear to my eye. Good work Captain Andy.
Very nice song Capt. Andy. Great tribute to a great fisherman!
This a a very good and touching song with alot to say about our friend that has gone away,so long Phil and may the angels watch over you.
AWSOME THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH ME HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED. HIS 2 SONS WERE RAISED STRONG TO CARRY ON HIS WORK
Wow Andy! Love it! Where can I get this song?
I am sure he smiled so for that song…what a nice tribute to him from a brother fisherman…thank you for sharing Andy….we all miss him so …and how we all cried…you all have become a part of our families …and we do watch and cant help but care and worry for you all…may God’s eyes always be upon you all keep our crabbers safe …God Bless
Andy, you did total justice to your friend and ours, Phil Harris….God’s speed and protection to you all….smooth sailing and great and plentiful crabbing ahead for you
<3
I really enjoy the Deadliest Catch. It was really sad to learn Captain Phil died. It doesn’t seem right not to see him on the show. It is good to see his sons though.
Captain Andy, this song is so good. It is a great tribute to Captain Phil. I really enjoyed listening to it. I would buy it, if you decide to sell it.
You guys be save out there. Love you.
What a amazing tribute to Captain Phil. I am sure he is feeling your love and respect from you Andy. Captain Phil was a great fisherman, father, friend and a hero to all of us. We miss Phil, we shed the tears of joy and sadness, we love you Phil. Thanks Any for giving us this wonderful gift, your music and your friendship. We love you too Andy!
Andy you did a awesome job. We miss Phil .But the rest of the fishermen are great its a great show
Great song, Andy! Thanks for sharing this. We feel like we know all of you but you guys really know each other so we can appreciate the depth of your feelings.
Good luck to you.
WOW!! Who knew Andy was a songwriter?! You did an old friend a beautiful tribute!! This song is perfection!!! Loved it so very much!!! Totally miss Capt. Phil!! I know the boys will make him proud!!! He’s definitely their guardian angel!! I am rooting for them AND the Cornelia Marie!!
Love you guys!!!
Very Well Said Andy!!!~ Take care and stay safe out there in that big ol’ Bering Sea!!! What a nice tribute to Captain Harris!!!~ Your Awesome!
holy crap. I love it. The imperfections in Andy’s voice make it totally real and heart felt. That’s awesome. Totally cook Andy!
Nice tribute Andy!!!
That is a heart fill song..I had tears in my eyes..It show how much Phil was loved by his friends..I love the show..And I know how I felt when he past away..I know none of us will ever know what his family and close friends feel every day your great loss…All of you guys make the show great..its a hard dangerous job…God bless all of you
Phil’s death ended a chapter,but the story will continue.The thousands of men who sail the sea’s through out the world,risking their lives to make a living.Davy Jones will remember them all
Beautiful job. Still love the show but miss Captain Phil very much. His pots were full at the end. Full of love… which is the only thing you take with you.
God Bless!
Everyone misses Phil including me and I know it must have been hardest on all of you that worked with him but I’m sorry don’t like these new episodes screaming yelling wasn’t going on earlier episodes what happened to incentive, corky
Captain Andy, that song for Captain Phil was awesome and even brought a tear to my eye. I have been following you guys for years now and it is different without Captain Phil. I can see the boys are having a hard time without their father but they are strong and have all the boats helping them through it. Be safe to all the boats out there.
Thanks Andy! Your words are given to you by Phil!
Many Blessings Bud
JJ
Capt. Phil…RIP. LOVE the song Andy, you did great!
Great Song Andy. RIP Phil i’m gonna miss ya. Fish On
Wonderful song Andy, thanks for sharing it! The show is not the same without Capt. Phil and I am sure fishing is not the same for the crew!
Awesome song Andy… Very touching. I’m going to download it right this minute.
We miss you Phil..
Time to retire the BonJove theme in favor of this..
Awesome Captain, awesome song!
Great tribute….Andy has a great voice!!!
Thank you Captain Andy. You put to music what a lot of us felt. Your song should go viral. Maybe they can added to the sound tracks of Deadliest Catch when showing the Cornelia Marie and/or the Time Bandit.
Capt. Phil we miss you. Capt Andy you have blessed us these words of love and friendship for Phil
awesome job andy i live in maine and would love to hear that on the radio and should be played LOUD
Andy you did a amazing job on this song. But it probably wasnt that hard to write it about, such a amazing person. I have been watching the show since season 1. Though Capt Phil is gone he will never be forgotten he lives in his sons and the rest of the fisherman at sea. One more thing I am so proud of Jake and his sobriety, the strength he had to have to face his addiction after losing his father. I think his Father helped him and continues to help him today.
That was awesome Andy!!!
my gosh Andy, that was vrey moving. you did him well and i know he is proud of the ode to him. it left me with chill bumps. love to the heart
Capt. Andy…..bravo. Your song is the perfect example of the reason why so many people around the world watch deadliest catch. It is heartfelt, says what you and the Capt. phill lovers want to say, and is a heaven sent tribute. P.S. No, you don’t sing like Bon Jovi….however….you sound perfect for your “Ode to Phill”.
God Bless all of you! Well done!
Andy,thanks for sharing your beautiful song.Well said & done….
andy you did a great job on the song for captain phil. i can relate to the fishing life. my husband is an off shore scallop fisherman. rip capt phil
enjoy the show in uk..the song is great.well done andy.cant wait for new series starts here tuesday..
grrrmppfff, and in germany we see that 5 years later*lol*.. r.i.p. phil
Like the song. Will miss Capt. Phil. enjoy the series. Keep on rolling.
Awesome Andy. I like it. RIP Captain Phil!
Captain Andy you did an awesome job the song was perfect. It pulled the heart strings. Captain Phil will be missed and always will be. Bless you all.
Jesteśmy Poland , Czekamy oglądać film na sezon, ulubione statek
Thanks for the post Morgan. I love reading what others are saying about Deadliest Catch and our obsession with a bunch of hard-workin’ guys just trying to make a living. Love Andy’s song. Not professionally done, but that makes it all the better – just heartfelt words.
what can isay about phil…
he was a very good person and a great father.He lives now in a another place.
I’m enjoying the new season for the most part. It’s just a shame the kid can’t stay away from the drugs, especially while captaining the boat. Putting himself in danger is one thing. Putting the entire crew in danger is a whole ‘nother ballgame.
IT WASENT RIGHT FOR THE NEW CAPT TO DO WHAT HE DID, AND SAY THE THINGS THAT HE SAID, HE REALLY NEEDS TO GO ! , ON MANY LEVELS!. HE IS WAY TO COCKY! AND ARROGANT, HE IS NOT GOD, NOR DOES HE HAVE THE RESPECT A CAPT SHOULD HAVE, PLUS HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO THE BOYS LIKE THAT? YOU DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? YEAH WELL “IM THE CAPT”! RIGHT? WELL THAT AINT EVERYTHING, AND I HOPE HE FINDS OUT REAL QUICK ! THAT IS MY OPINION.
Sorry for the misspelled words, i got all fired up!
point being, i have worked for people like that in the past, and im here to say, with individuals with that much of insecurities that they have to “feel important” and “in charge” is a recipe for disaster, not only for the boat but for Josh and Jake as well, they deserve a Capt that will give them an opportunity to take over the boat, and to teach them what they don’t know without criticism, and belittling, and making them feel as if they were just beginning in the industry. thats how i took it.
I am enjoying this season of the DC. I am noticing now that people are coming around with Captain Derrick on the CM, it really is funny how people can judge a person by this show and tell what kind of person he is, so sad. To me he is a no bs kind of person when it comes to getting the job done and I think Phil would understand. Just my thoughts and thank you for your blogs, I really enjoy reading them.
I sure hope that Capt. Derricks stay is short. This guy is an arse. He’s so disrespectful, especially to Capt. Phils’ sons. I love the show! but I cannot stand that jerk.
Hey! I just wanted to check in with you all and all my favorite people on the cornelia marie.
The first few episodes were kind of downers. I hope things get better for you all.
I never met you all but I feel like a part of your deadliest catch family. Thanks for staying on.
Also, I really liked how you all let deadliest catch show the funeral for capt. phil. I was moved by it and when it was over, I felt like it was easier to move on. So that was well done! Josh and Jake are like my favorite deck hands ever!! I do hope one day that they will be able to co-captain the ship. I appreciate all capt. derrick is doing and my heart is with him because I know he is struggling with being the new captain. That is a hard thing to do when people are still upset about losing Capt. Phil…. but I think he is doing the best he can. I hope everything works out! I’ll be thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers. Please update if you can.
Awesome Andy – you really captured it all in this song! The video was great!!! RIP Phil – you touched so many lives with your heart of gold, soft-spoken voice, humour and hard-work ethic… YOU were and are the PEOPLE’S CAPTAIN!!! <3 <3 <3
What a tribute to a rough, gruff man, who made an impact on many lives. Not a perfect man by any means, but a good hearted soul. Andy – awesome tribute! Love the song.
Capt. Derrick was the worst thing that could of ever happened to the Cornelia Marie. He is head strong. He feels he is always right, no matter what.
He tried to walk into another mans house, claim it was shoddily ran, then demand he is the only one right. I’m still waiting to see the abundant blue crab he caught.
To continuously attack Jake was wrong. Derrick failed miserably and had to try to shift the heat to someone else. It didn’t work. To see a mutiny on the Cornelia broke my heart. What does this say about the Captain?
I’m glad to see him go, but I’m sad for you guys.
The Cornelia needs a Captain who will love her as much as the crew does.
Hold your heads high guys. It was the Captain that should run with his tail between his legs.
Im heartbroken for the boys,this so called captain doesnt even need to be near a crew much less one as special as Phil Harris crew i have never seen somebody with so much disrespect!Where did this so called captain come from???Boys hold your head high and find a captain who respect you and your dads legacy,
Tony Lara your a scumbag. Your pathetic & a joke. Nothing makes me happier that you got fired. I wish I could see you in person. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Derrik
your a scumbag. Your pathetic & a joke. Nothing makes me happier that you got fired. I wish I could see you in person. You should be ashamed of yourself.
derrick will get no respect from anyone now what a loser
hope derrick watches the show so he can see what a total arrogant ass he is if i were him i would hide for the next ten or so years derrick all of america hates you
Captain Derrick is a joke…it is very clear that he couldn’t find the crab and he had to find someone else to blame because of his failures. Even if there was drug use on the boat it did not affect where he decided to drop pots. Congratulation Captain on a job well done! As Donald Trump would say “YOUR FIRED”
Captain Derrick
Why is everyone so down on him? Do you really think that we saw everything that actually went on, this is a t.v. show after all and it is going to be edited in a way that makes it more dramatic. There was dope being smoked on the boat and there was apparently some footage of it, and Jake. So who is more disrespectful Derrick or Jake.
Perhaps we will learn more about what really happened on the ‘after the catch’ season wrapup as Captain Ray will be in attendence.
Plain and simple Captain Derrick didn’t get the job done. He didn’t catch any crab and he is looking to place the blame on anybody. He is the reason the trip was a failure, not only did his job performance fail he provided zero leadership skill and horrible problem solving ability. The only mistake the owners made was believing that this Captain had any ability at all. Captain Derrick was a waste and if he had any respect for himself or the boat he would have accepted the fact that he couldn’t get the job done.
Well, ‘Thick as Thieves’ was a real hard one to watch for those of us who love Josh and Jake-but I’m sure we can all wish Derrick well on his new show “Cuddliest Douche”…
Derrick needed to go because he didn’t catch crab. The Harris brat ought to be banned from crewing because the Bering Se is no place for someone high on drugs. The job is dangerous enough without laving a druggie thrown into the mix. I hope whoever gets Derricks job comes on board with the understanding that the Harris brat stays on the dock.
To all of you Capt Derrick haters, If I recall I remember Capt Phil in the 08 season going three weeks without catching crab, and being three days from an 80,000 lb quota. Remember it is called fishing because you have to fish untill you find the catch, and then you catch crab. The capt was never fully given a true chance to do his job. Jake is a squirt that isnt going to amount to anything, guilt was right there all over him, when he jumped off the boat and hit the airport, just pulling into port. I worked on a western rigger scallop boat and unless we were in closed areas we didnt always pull up dredges full of scallops. Dont knock Derrick, knock the Harris boys for lack of experience, knowledge, and leadership. They basically caused a mutiny on the ship. Good luck to them to get a Capt. to deal with their shit! Every string ” Hey ah you know this is costing money”! Yeah no kidding, but if you dont fish you dont make money!!!!! Half of you wouldnt even last a 24 hr grind out there, so keep eating ice cream while you critique someone who has years of experience on the Bering Sea. Put me out their and i’ll be the Green Horn on any boat that will show the catch a horn that wont quit. Possibly even show the little squirt how to work. Get off drugs Jake, put me side by side no Bering sea experience and I will work circles around Yah!! Sincerely,
Brett
New Bedford Ma,
Whaling Capital of the World
Tia Maria
Jake put everyone’s life in danger and could have cost the other 88% owners their boat. Those two snot nosed brats lead a mutiny and should be put in prison. I’d like to see you all fly on an airplane with some addict crew member who pulled the same kind of BS that these two punks pulled. You wouldn’t do it! None of you would! And any airplane would be a safer environment than the Barring Sea!!! They disgraced the boat, their father and the show. What a way to ruin a legacy.
geez h christ where did they get that cop calling asshole not only could he not fish navigate,at the very least make a friend,he belonged in a crab pot,since his csi worked about as well as his fishing skills,he could not get anything done,couldnt even tell write running around with a piece of foil give it up,CM we want you back good luck in the future put that dick head in the cookie monster
I’ve been a fan of Deadliest Catch ever since the first program I watched. I don’t have cable and get the show only on Saturdays & Sunday for 1 hour. I am in shock! What happened to Capt. Phil? I know he’s passed on, but why?
Some of the shows most light hearted moments involved Capt. Phil. When Jake or Josh bought the $800 big screen TV on dad’s credit acct & Capt. Phil said: “What have you been smoking?”, “You could be a freaking astronaut if you wanted to, ya got the brains”, “This is bad, this is bad bad” (wrong screw), “a car???”, F-250 courtesy of the Hillstrand bros. “Now ya know why lions eat their young”.
When Capt. Phil talked to the camera, it was like I was sitting in the wheelhouse with him. No other Capt is like him.
Though I understand D. Rays position with the risk to his license & to the boat with pot on board, I was digusted with his attitude when the boys said they were running short of funds. He scoffed at them as if they didn’t know anything at all. They may not know all they need to to run the boat, but I wanted to smack him when he said that & wished one of the boys would ask what part of our saying we’re nearly broke don’t you understand? Jake has much growing up to do & Josh isn’t doing him favors by covering for him. Phil died thinking his little boy had finally grown up when he decided to take responsibility & go to rehab. Jake needs to get his stuff in one sock & work on being the kind of man has dad thought he was when he died.
Well after watching the last episode of the series I just want to say thank you to all the crews for a great show and Josh, please get another captain, that guy is not clean, and not your friend, a friend does not do what he did, regardless of Jake problems, he is not up to the level of the great ship as the Cornelia Marie is.
Javier
trav was right Derrik your a scumbag to screw up and then try to make it to where the c.m. wont be on the show no more it makes him happy to hear that. you are a dirt bag i wish you were standing here now i would knock you one up side your head for coming down on the boys and the weed thing what a j___ off ! loser go find another boat to screw up when you do make sure you call the show up to put it on tv for all of us to lol about your fu____ up life as a old want a be a crab man and your not ! go get a desk job ! i hope the boys do find a good guy to run the boat.
I wish capt. phil’s son’s the best. If they can fish in that ocean, they can surely overcome the problems they are faced with.
Good luck to you both.
My absolute favorite was Captain Phil and his sayings. “I feel like a one legged man in an ass kicking contest” He was such a warm wonderful man. I saw many of my dads qualities who also past away. I felt so sad for the boys and my husband and I wish them all the luck and hope to see them as captains soon. Good luck on your journey Josh and Jake you are wonderful. I hope you will be able to get past the problems and join together to be strong. Josh you showed such strength and courage you are amazing.
Great song and Pictures Andy.
Big watcher of the show and have enjoyed all 6 series to date, although last season will take some beating. New season begins here on Wedesday night.
Wish all the best to all the Captins and crews particuarly Jake and Josh, (condolences guys)
Take care out there guys.
R.I.P. PHIL [*] POLAND
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