Adam Ruins Everything Season 2 Episode 2 Adam Ruins Football
- TV-14
- August 30, 2016
- 21 min
-
7.2 (152)
Adam Ruins Everything season 2 episode 2, titled "Adam Ruins Football," explores the dark side of America's favorite sport. Host Adam Conover takes on the pervasive myths and misinformation surrounding football, and reveals the harsh realities that fans and players alike may not be aware of.
Throughout the episode, Adam challenges the notion that football is purely a game, pointing out that it's a multi-billion dollar industry with serious health risks for those who play it. He dives into the history of the sport, revealing how it's been shaped by racism, capitalism, and a desire for spectacle. He also highlights the controversy around the use of public funds to finance private sports stadiums, and the negative effects that they can have on a community.
One of the biggest points of focus in the episode is the long-term damage that playing football can cause to the brain. Adam explores the science behind Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that has been linked to repeated head trauma. He interviews former football players and medical professionals to shed light on the severity of the issue, and explains why the NFL's attempts to mitigate the problem have fallen short.
The episode also tackles the notion that football is a necessary part of American culture, and that it fosters values such as teamwork and discipline. Adam argues that these values can be found in other activities, and that football's prominence in our society is a reflection of larger societal issues. He highlights the way that football has perpetuated toxic masculinity and homophobia, and how it can reinforce the idea that violence is an acceptable solution to problems.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode maintains a lighthearted tone, with Adam's playful humor and animated illustrations keeping viewers engaged. The show uses a combination of expert interviews, historical anecdotes, and pop culture references to explore its topics thoroughly, while keeping the audience entertained.
In the end, "Adam Ruins Football" isn't about vilifying the sport or those who love it. Rather, it's a call to action, urging viewers to think critically about the issues surrounding football and to demand change. The episode offers alternatives to the current state of the sport, from flag football to investing in other areas of education and recreation. Ultimately, it's a reminder that we can love something while also acknowledging its flaws, and that progress comes from being willing to confront uncomfortable truths.