Ep 1. Animals

Brass Eye season 1 episode 1, titled "Animals," is a satirical documentary about the media's portrayal of animals and animal welfare issues. The episode opens with a dramatic reading of a story about a missing child believed to have been eaten by a pack of wild dogs, setting the tone for the humorous but dark exploration of the topic to come.

Hosted by comedian Chris Morris, the episode features a series of fake news segments and interviews with experts and activists in animal welfare, all presented with deadpan sincerity. One segment looks at the popularity of "dangerous" dogs, featuring a mock training video for pets that teaches them how to attack and defend against intruders. Another segment examines the dangers of exotic pets, with a focus on a fictional creature called the "sex bat" that supposedly spreads diseases through sexual contact.

The episode also delves into the use of animals in entertainment, with interviews with performers who use animals in their acts and undercover footage of animal training facilities. The issue of animal testing is also addressed, with an interview with a scientist who claims that tests on animals are necessary to save human lives.

Throughout the episode, Morris skewers the sensationalist and often hypocritical media coverage of animal welfare issues, while still acknowledging the seriousness of the problems at hand. The show employs shock tactics and absurdity to highlight the absurdity of some of the media's coverage of the issue.

"Animals" was initially controversial upon its release, with some critics and viewers finding the show's humor to be in poor taste. However, it has since been praised for its daring approach to satire and for its commentary on the media's handling of serious issues.

Overall, Brass Eye season 1 episode 1 provides a thought-provoking and often hilarious look at the media's coverage of animal welfare issues and the public's often contradictory attitudes towards animals. It lays the groundwork for the rest of the season, which similarly explores other topics through a satirical lens.