Ep 1. Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice

American Masters season 28 episode 1 is titled "Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice" and focuses on the life and career of magician and sleight-of-hand artist Ricky Jay. The one-hour documentary explores Jay's unique blend of magic, history, and performance, and features interviews with Jay's friends and collaborators, including David Mamet, who directed several of Jay's theater shows and films, and filmmaker Molly Bernstein, who directed the documentary.

The episode delves into Jay's childhood growing up in Brooklyn, where he discovered a fascination for magic and sleight-of-hand at an early age. We learn about his early mentors in the magic world, including Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller, and see how their influence shaped Jay's approach to the art of deception. The documentary also explores Jay's love of history, which led him to become a collector of rare books and artifacts related to magic and the history of deception.

Throughout the episode, we see examples of Jay's incredible skill as a sleight-of-hand artist, including clips from some of his most famous performances and television appearances. The documentary also examines Jay's work as a consultant and performer in Hollywood, where he advised on films like "Forest Gump" and "The Prestige" and made appearances on shows like "Deadwood" and "The X-Files."

In addition to his work as a performer, the documentary also delves into Jay's writing career. We learn about his books on magic and deception, including "Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women" and "Jay's Journal of Anomalies," and see how his writing has helped to preserve and spread awareness of the history and art of deception.

Overall, "Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice" is a fascinating and insightful look into the life and career of one of the most talented and unique performers in the world of magic. From his early days in Brooklyn to his collaborations with Hollywood giants, Jay's story is a testament to the enduring appeal of magic and the art of deception.