Ep 1. Soldier of Illusion (1)

Soldier of Illusion (1) is the first episode of season 4 of the acclaimed satirical television series Documentary Now!. The show is known for its parody of popular documentaries, and this episode is no exception.

The episode pays homage to the iconic 1982 documentary, The War Room, which followed Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign as he worked with his team of strategists, including James Carville and George Stephanopoulos. This time, however, the focus is on the fictional campaign of a magician named The Raven, who is running for the governorship of Ohio.

The Raven, portrayed by John Mulaney, is a magician and illusionist known for his death-defying feats and knack for grandiose stunts. However, he realizes that after years of performing on stage, he needs a new audience to entertain and thus decides to enter the world of politics. His team of campaign strategists, including a brilliant but slightly unhinged Carville-esque figure played by Bobby Moynihan, is charged with the task of making The Raven a serious contender in the world of politics.

As with The War Room, the documentary-style episode follows the campaign's behind-the-scenes moments, as cameras capture the intense brainstorming sessions and personal conversations between The Raven and his team. The Raven faces opposition in the form of his opponent, who is a career politician with more experience and funding. However, The Raven's unique approach to politics, which includes magic tricks and daring stunts, captures the public's attention and dominates the news cycle.

The episode provides a satirical take on the world of politics, highlighting the nonsensical nature of the election process. The Raven's unconventional campaign methods, coupled with his public persona as a magician, make for humorous television moments. The episode also pokes fun at the seriousness of politics and the importance of image in political campaigns. The Raven's team, led by Moynihan's character, is shown manipulating his image to fit a certain mold that will appeal to voters, highlighting the artifice of the political process.

Throughout the episode, The Raven grapples with the ethical implications of blending politics and performance. These moments of introspection provide a much-needed seriousness to the episode, grounding it in the reality of real-world politics.

The episode is visually striking, with the use of handheld camera work and cinema verite style reminiscent of The War Room. The show's creators, Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, and Bill Hader, pay homage not only to the documentary format but also to the world of magic and illusion. The episode includes several mesmerizing moments of The Raven performing his signature stunts, showcasing the character's talents and adding to the whimsical nature of the episode.

Overall, Soldier of Illusion (1) is a strong start to Documentary Now!'s fourth season. The episode utilizes the format of popular documentary The War Room and adds a touch of humor and magic to create a unique and entertaining episode. The show's signature satire is in full force, mocking the seriousness of politics and the absurdities of the election process. With appearances from prominent figures such as David Byrne, the episode is sure to delight fans of the series and lovers of high-quality satire.