Ep 3. Command and Control

Command and Control, an episode of American Experience's 29th season, is a gripping recount of a near-disastrous nuclear accident that occurred in Arkansas in 1980. The episode is based on journalist Eric Schlosser's book of the same name, which provides an in-depth examination of the accident and its aftermath.

The episode opens with a brief history of the United States' nuclear arsenal and the importance of command and control in nuclear weapons management. It then delves into the night of September 18, 1980, when an accident at the Titan II missile complex in Damascus, Arkansas, put the lives of dozens of people at risk.

Through interviews with surviving crew members, government officials, and experts, the episode reconstructs the events of that night. It reveals how a simple maintenance issue turned into a life-threatening crisis, as a fuel leak and subsequent explosion led to the missile's warhead being ejected from its casing.

What follows is a tense and frantic effort to avoid a nuclear detonation. The episode takes viewers through the complex decision-making process that ensued and highlights the bravery and quick thinking of the Air Force crew who risked their lives to prevent a catastrophe.

The episode also explores the broader implications of the accident. It delves into the history of nuclear weapons and the push for disarmament, as well as the political and military factors that have shaped the United States' nuclear policy. It also takes a critical look at the command and control system, exposing its flaws and limitations.

Throughout the episode, the viewer is presented with a complex and nuanced picture of the nuclear age. It raises questions about the role of technology and human error in nuclear weapons management and the responsibility that comes with wielding such destructive power.

Despite its intense subject matter, Command and Control is a well-crafted and engaging episode. The combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis creates a compelling narrative that keeps the viewer hooked until the very end. The episode also benefits from a tight and efficient editing style, which keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.

Overall, Command and Control is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of nuclear weapons, as well as those concerned about the implications of such weapons for global security. It is a powerful reminder of the need for caution and vigilance in matters of national security and a call to action to prevent future nuclear disasters.