I came across an interview with the man behind the show on Slice of SciFi. I thought it sounded interesting so I gave it a go. If all reality TV was like this I wouldn’t object to the genre at all. The first Colony was well done and it seems (I’ve only just started the second) they’ve made the second a lot harder. The site is less secure, and there’s a reduction in technical ability and ages as well.
I feel that in both colonies security is left to far down the list for too long. It’s all very well having water, shelter and food but if some one can take it away/reduce it/contaminate it then all you’ve done is make yourself a target. So secure it and yourself, food caches are a must if it’s not all in one place (just spread out around a room would help) it makes it that much harder to quickly grab.
As to defence, well unrestricted violence can’t be used but the violence level has been upped in the second colony. So I expect to see more staves, that’s the problem is controlling the amount of damage you do. Weapons are a force multiplier so I’d really need to know what the “rules” are. Construct/find a decent bow and they reduce the crowd by X after you shoot so many targets sort of thing. Recommended viewing.
Realistic Pacifist 
I enjoyed the colony too, but I envied the selection of colonists they had. I try to imagine what it would be most likely be in the post apocalyptic wasteland and I see myself being stuck with two public servants from the justice department, a retired computer salesman, someone who worked in real estate, a high schooler surfer and a hairdresser.
Barnes, food source I say.
Further watching, still bugger all security no idea on weapons manufacture. Bolo’s anyone?