This episode introduces viewers to hundreds of candidates who volunteered to spend an entire year living as 1870s settlers, and profiles both the intense selection process used to select the two couples and their move onto the Manitoba prairie.

The settlers struggle against illness, fatigue and self-doubt while plowing fields and caring for livestock; replacement couple.

The settlers endure an infestation of mosquitoes; isolation and close quarters cause emotional stress.

Barn fire; strain between the two couples.

Crop failure; the settlers begin to hunt and cut firewood; snowstorm.

The settles try to stay warm; deer hunting; the settlers celebrate a traditional Christmas.

During the winter months the settlers make bread, quilts, furniture and deerhide moccasins; the dentist.

Spring floods threaten to spoil the frozen meats and vegetables; blizzard.

The settlers reflect on their experiences as they return to the 21st century.