The Good Whale: Episode 5 - “At Sea”

Released on November 14, 2024 by Serial Productions and The New York Times

Introduction

In the gripping fifth episode of The Good Whale, titled “At Sea,” host Daniel Alarcon delves into the enigmatic four-week period following the release of Keiko, the orca famously known for his role in the movie “Free Willy.” This episode seeks to uncover the mysteries surrounding Keiko’s brief return to the wild, blending factual reporting with creative storytelling to imagine the experiences of a once-captive whale striving for freedom.

Recap of Keiko’s Release

Daniel Alarcon begins by revisiting the hopeful moment when Keiko was released back into the wild. “Keiko was last seen with a pod of wild whales as a storm was rolling in,” he narrates (00:49). This return was celebrated by moviegoers, trainers, activists, and fans who longed for a “Hollywood ending” for the beloved orca. However, shortly after the initial release, Keiko vanished, leading to widespread speculation and concern about his fate.

Exploring the Unknown: The Four Weeks Mystery

The central mystery of this episode revolves around Keiko’s whereabouts and experiences during the four weeks he spent traveling east after his disappearance. Alarcon poses several poignant questions: “Did he come back to us humans because he couldn’t make it in the wild? Or was it something else because he missed us?” (00:49). These questions highlight the uncertainty surrounding Keiko’s ability to adapt to wild life after years of captivity and rehabilitation.

Alarcon emphasizes the lack of concrete information about this period: “Those four weeks are essentially a black box. Anything we say about this period of time is much closer to make believe than to reporting” (00:49). This uncertainty serves as the impetus for the episode’s unique approach to storytelling.

Creative Approach: Imagining Keiko’s Journey as a Musical

Determined to shed light on Keiko’s mysterious journey, the production team decided to employ a creative method. “We decided to imagine these four weeks as a musical,” explains Alarcon (00:49). Collaborating with renowned musical composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for works like Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land, the team sought to personify Keiko’s thoughts and emotions during this critical time.

Alarcon admits the unconventional nature of this choice: “I know, I know this sounds crazy. It sounded crazy to me when it was first floated. But trust me, there’s a logic to all this” (00:49). This innovative approach aims to provide listeners with a deeper, more empathetic understanding of Keiko’s possible experiences.

The Ballad of Keiko: Lyrics and Interpretation

The centerpiece of this episode is “The Ballad of Keiko,” a song that narrates Keiko’s imagined journey. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a different perspective on Keiko’s experiences:

1. Integration with the Wild Pod (05:32):

   • Keiko (Voice): “So much water, so much sky / Giant shadows pass me by / I join the pod we’re fin to fin”
   • This segment envisions Keiko successfully integrating with a new pod, experiencing the camaraderie and natural behaviors of wild orcas.

2. Struggle and Isolation (07:50):

   • Keiko (Voice): “And there’s hairy despair but they don’t want to share / They refuse to play and they’re rowdy and rough”
   • Here, the song portrays Keiko facing challenges in communication and bonding with the pod, leading to feelings of isolation and confusion.

3. Fame and Longing (10:04):

   • Keiko (Voice): “But there’s another world they’ve never seen / Cause they don’t know the thrill when you show off”
   • This part reflects Keiko’s nostalgia for human interactions and the fame he once enjoyed, juxtaposed with his current state of anonymity in the wild.

Through these verses, the song encapsulates the emotional rollercoaster Keiko might have experienced, blending hope with reality's harsh challenges.

Expert Insights and Real Events

Following the musical interlude, Alarcon transitions to discussing the actual events during those four weeks, incorporating insights from experts and researchers:

• Keiko’s Movements Post-Release (12:31):
  • An expert mentions, “He was out in these little islands off the coast, just rubbing himself in the kelp fronds,” indicating Keiko’s attempts to adapt to natural behaviors (12:31).
• Public Interaction and Media Attention (12:42):
  • Alarcon recounts public fascination: “People were trying to go and swim with him, trying to pet him” (13:01), reflecting the ongoing human desire to connect with Keiko despite his return to the wild.
• Frustration Among Care Team (13:01):
  • A researcher expresses irritation: “I was beyond pissed off” (13:01), highlighting the challenges faced by the team managing Keiko’s release and the unforeseen consequences of heightened public interest.

These real accounts provide a grounded perspective, balancing the imaginative musical narrative with factual reporting on Keiko’s actual experiences and the complexities involved in his release.

Production Highlights and Credits

The episode concludes with a spotlight on the creative and technical efforts behind “The Ballad of Keiko”:

• Music Video Creation (13:15):

  • A music video featuring Broadway star Jordan Fisher and directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada was produced, enhancing the storytelling with visual elements (13:15).

• Collaborative Efforts:

  • The song was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with contributions from various artists and production staff, including voice talents like Quentin Earl Darrington and Brian D’Arcy James (14:31).

• Special Thanks and Acknowledgments:

  • The production team extends gratitude to individuals such as Joshua Freed, Anna Speer, and Danielle Perlman for their support (14:55).

These details underscore the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the fusion of journalism, music, and multimedia to explore Keiko’s story.

Conclusion

“At Sea” stands out as a poignant exploration of Keiko’s fleeting return to the wild, blending factual investigation with creative expression to breathe life into the silent weeks that followed his release. By imagining Keiko’s journey through music, The Good Whale not only honors the orca’s legacy but also invites listeners to empathize with the challenges faced by animals transitioning from captivity to freedom. This episode exemplifies the podcast’s commitment to innovative storytelling, offering a multifaceted view of a story that continues to captivate and inspire.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Alarcon (00:49):
  • “If only we knew what he experienced, we'd know if this long, grand experiment to restore wildness to a captive orca had succeeded.”
• Keiko (Voice) (05:32):
  • “So much water, so much sky / Giant shadows pass me by.”
• Expert/Researcher (12:31):
  • “He was out in these little islands off the coast, just rubbing himself in the kelp fronds.”

Timestamp Reference:

• 00:49: Daniel Alarcon begins the episode with the story introduction.
• 05:32: Start of “The Ballad of Keiko” musical section.
• 07:50: Continuation of the musical narrative.
• 10:04: Further development of Keiko’s imagined experiences.
• 12:31: Expert discusses Keiko’s actual movements post-release.
• 13:01: Researcher expresses frustration over public interactions.
• 14:31: Credits and acknowledgments for the musical production.

For more behind-the-scenes content, music videos, and updates on The Good Whale, subscribers are encouraged to visit nytimes.com/serialnewsletter and follow the podcast’s Instagram page.