Jeff Pelletier – Badwater 135 | Episode Review

We’re big fans of Jeff Pelletier. Few creators in trail and ultra running capture the emotional arc of an adventure quite like he does. His storytelling usually blends raw effort, quiet reflection, stunning nature, and that slow build of tension that makes you feel like you’re right there on the trail.

That’s why we were especially excited for his latest episode covering the Badwater 135 — one of the most iconic and extreme ultras in the world.

This time, though, it didn’t quite land for us.

Badwater is brutal. The heat, the isolation, the endless road stretching through Death Valley — it’s a race built for drama. But in this episode, the emotional highs felt more muted. The storytelling didn’t quite unfold in the layered way we’ve come to expect. Instead of the deep immersion we’re used to — the quiet suffering, the breakthroughs, the reflective moments — it felt more linear and less gripping.

Visually, it’s still beautifully shot. The desert landscapes are stark and powerful. Jeff’s production quality remains top-tier. But emotionally, it didn’t hit the same way some of his mountain or trail adventures have in the past. The race itself — long stretches of road under relentless heat — may naturally offer fewer dynamic shifts than mountainous terrain, and perhaps that translated into a flatter narrative rhythm.

To be clear: it’s still a solid watch. And we’ll always appreciate the honesty and craftsmanship Jeff brings to the ultra world. But compared to some of his previous films — the ones that left us inspired, reflective, or even a little wrecked — this one felt more restrained and, at times, a bit slow.

Maybe that’s part of Badwater itself. It’s less about dramatic terrain and more about enduring the relentless.

We’re still big fans. And we’re still excited for what comes next.

6.4/10