Ep 1. Kings Ransom

In the inaugural episode of ESPN's 30 for 30 series, titled "Kings Ransom," filmmaker Peter Berg examines the infamous trade of legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of 1988. The episode begins by setting the stage for the trade, detailing Gretzky's unparalleled success in Edmonton, where he won four Stanley Cups and became a hero to the city's residents.

Berg then introduces the key players involved in the trade: Gretzky himself, Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, and Kings owner Bruce McNall. Pocklington is painted as a shrewd businessman who saw the trade as an opportunity to make a significant profit, while McNall is portrayed as a charismatic and ambitious figure who was eager to bring Gretzky to Hollywood.

The episode then turns to the aftermath of the trade, which rocked the hockey world and sparked outrage in Gretzky's adopted hometown of Edmonton. Fans burned effigies of Pocklington, who was seen as having betrayed the city's love for Gretzky in exchange for money. Meanwhile, Gretzky struggled to adapt to life in Los Angeles, where he was initially met with skepticism and disdain from fans who saw him as an outsider.

The episode is notable for the way it weaves together interviews with key players from both sides of the trade, including Gretzky, Pocklington, and McNall. Their conflicting perspectives and recollections of events provide a nuanced and revealing look at the motivations and machinations behind the trade, and offer insight into the legacy of the Gretzky era in Edmonton and Los Angeles.

Berg's direction is stylish and engaging, using a combination of archival footage and contemporary interviews to create a compelling narrative that captures the drama and tension of the trade. The use of music is particularly effective, with carefully chosen tracks adding an emotional resonance to key moments in the story.

Overall, "Kings Ransom" is a fascinating exploration of one of the most significant moments in NHL history, and a must-watch for any fans of Gretzky, hockey, or sports in general.