'Catch' Captains Reflect on Phil Harris, Their Future

By Mike Hess Posted Apr 13th 2010 10:20AM

Exclusive: 'Deadliest Catch' has enthralled millions not just because of the crab fishing that takes place, but due to the overwhelmingly lovable crew members the hit Discovery show documents. PopEater had the opportunity to sit down with Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, captains of the Time Bandit, at City Crab in New York City to discuss what to expect this season (which premiered April 13) and just how the death of fellow captain Phil Harris impacted them. "Even though he's only five or six years older than us, it's like we lost our dad," Andy Hillstrand tells PopEater. After the jump, the full interview, including more on the passing of Harris, the prospect of retiring and how Jonathan once insulted The Queen. There's also an amazing guide to cracking crab legs that you've got to see to believe.

On Phil Harris

Jonathan: It's one of our best seasons, and one of our worst. We lose a really good friend this year. I spent 10 days in the hospital with Phil. We've known Phil for 30 years... It was a huge loss for the fleet. I promised Phil I'd take care of his kids. At least I got to say goodbye to Phil, tell him I loved him.

Andy: Even though he's only five or six years older than us, it's like we lost our dad.

On Saving an Overboard Fisherman on Television

Andy: The adrenaline still runs through my blood. I was literally 20 feet away from him when we pulled up to him and he's going, 'Don't let me die, don't let me die!' I go, 'You're not gonna die!' We were pumped up for two days after we did it.

On the New Season

Jonathan: There's no do-overs, there's no lines. This is 'Deadliest Catch.' I watched the first episode and the hair was standing on my neck.

Andy: We took a wave that filled up our deck for 20 seconds.

On a Disastrous Trip to England

Jonathan Insults the Queen: I corrected her grammar. She says "sheduled" but it's "scheduled." And everyone says "sheduled" because the Queen says "sheduled." But she had a few pain pills at night (said very jokingly). I love the Queen. God bless the Queen.

Andy Insults Tea Drinkers: They said, 'What's the girliest thing you've ever done?' I said, 'I drank tea.' ... We don't know why we weren't invited back. It was 5:30 in the morning and I just said tea.

On Retirement Plans

Andy: Fishing with the brother for marlin. I haven't caught a marlin, sailfish... I want to catch every billed fish.

Jonathan: Scott is our last chance for blood to run the boat, so if he doesn't want to step up, we just have to find that guy that wants to be on that boat and says, 'Hey, I love it on here.'

Tags: deadliest catch

Comments

(151)

Tuesday 13 April

By Belladonna

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Jonathan Hillstrand is the hottest capt. and Time Bandit is my favorite ship but, Capt. Phill was my favorite Capt and I'm rooting for the Cornilia Marie and crew to pull thru!

Wednesday 14 April

By jeff cast

gonna miss phil..good luck to you all crabbing..stay safe

By Carol

Yep.....LOVE the "Deadliest Catch".......

And the loss of Phil......uh......WHAT a LOSS !!!!
He was right at the top of "my favorites" list.....

I have a three-way tie going between him and the Hillstrand
boys and Sig Hansen as my FAVORITES !!!

As for Keith Colburn.....in the episode where he dropped his
pots right next to Phil's......shooooouldn't have done that.....
my respect for him went right down the tubes....right then and
there.....so if HE left the show.....for me it would be NO
big loss.....

And when you watch them empty a "pot"....it is hard to discern
the actual SIZE of one of these King Crabs.....but HOLEY MOLEY !!!......in the pictures you have....just LOOK at the
SIZE of those crab LEGS.....YEOWIE.....they are HUUUUGE !!!!
THAT puts it into perspective JUST how BIG they really are !!!

I just hope that Phil's boys "step up" and keep the Cornelia
Marie going.....It's bad enough that Phil is gone....~*sigh*~

By Mike

HI there,
I think Keith Colburn is somewhat of a cheater by dropping his pots so close to Phils. What do you think of Jonathan giving Keith that sucker push in first episode. I imagine there's more to that story. Seen you post and had to respond. Have a great day.

By Sweet Lisa

I was So glad to see Keith get pushed by Jonathan.....it made my day! He and his brother Monty are so condecending and I don't like their attitudes.
I love watching the rest of them. Think maybe they'll take Keith off of the show. I hope so! Then again maybe they'll keep him on because some people "like to hate him".
Deadliest Catch will not be the same without Capt. Phil.

By hi Tracy

I totally agree with you! When he dropped those pots next to his, I just wanted to smack that fool. Capt. Phil was the best! God Bless Him & His family. R.I.P Phil

By Meghan

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How did he die??

By Q

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hellooo... that would be APRIL 13, as in, tonight, right? not March?

By cathy

April 13 is what the story says. I already have it dvr'd

By bb devareaux

ive watched the deadliest catch since the get go i have the utmost respect for these men and the occasional woman i believe her name was romell correct me if im wrong these brave souls put their lives on the line for us to enjoy those crabs so lets all crack a crab and send a fond toast to capt phil and the others miss ya capt phil you were like everyones dad rest in peace my friend

By Ray

I believe it's pronounced RODNILL

Saturday 08 May

By jon and ida

Rodnell was a idiot! I did have alot of respect for Donna on the Mavrick!

By Colleen

This season is going to be a hard one to watch, with Phil's death being a huge focus of the whole thing. But good for Andy and Jonathan to know when to quit. I wish them both the best of luck, and enjoy your retirement.

It's a tossup as to who my favorite captains are. The race is between the Hillstrand brothers and Capt Phil. I love how he'd discipline his boys but always ended up laughing. You could almost swim in the love between Phil and his sons. As for Sig and Keith, they'd be no great loss to the show. The contest between Sig and his brother on who could stay awake the longest was not only foolish, it was dangerous. Crab fishing is no joking matter. You would think that with their experience they'd know better.

Anyway, Phil's loss is a huge blow to his fans and the show. He's greatly missed.

By DonM2

Did anyone hear what's up with I think his name was Jake from the Northwestern..There was a report of his father missiing.

By xeni2u

As for Jake on Northwestern - they found his father's truck, abandoned. They have never found his father, or a body. They are still looking for him.

By Bluejeans

I'll take one Johnathan and one Andy, plz. :)

By Me too

Me too. They can retire into my home. I'll take care of them.

By Hello Tiffany

That crab video made me sooo hungry! I am going to miss Phil. Sig is my favorite though. I can't wait to see what happens this season.

By LIana

I send my heart felt wishes to both of Phil's boys and other family members. Also to the Deadliest Catch gang for the loss of a great and wonderful person.
Be Safe out there..............

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