Frontline Season 10 Episode 2 The Great American Bailout

In the second episode of the tenth season of Frontline, titled "The Great American Bailout," viewers are taken on an in-depth exploration of the American financial system, particularly focusing on the events leading up to and following the 2008 economic recession.

Through a series of expert interviews with economists, financial reporters, government officials, and everyday Americans who were impacted by the recession, viewers gain a deep understanding of the complex web of factors that contributed to the near collapse of the country's financial markets.

The episode begins with an explanation of the housing bubble, which was created in part by predatory lending practices and an over-reliance on subprime mortgages. As more and more people began to default on their loans, the financial institutions that owned these mortgages began to falter, leading to a chain reaction of bank failures and government bailouts.

Throughout the course of the episode, Frontline delves into the various ways in which the government attempted to stabilize the economy in the wake of the recession, including the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing policies.

Through interviews with key players involved in these decisions, including former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke, viewers are given an inside look into the often-contentious debates that took place behind closed doors as policymakers attempted to come up with a plan to save the economy.

In addition to exploring the political and economic ramifications of the bailout, "The Great American Bailout" also highlights the human toll of the recession, featuring stories of average Americans who lost everything in the wake of the crisis. From a middle-class family in New Jersey who struggled to make ends meet after the husband lost his job, to a group of senior citizens in California who were forced out of their homes after being duped into signing predatory mortgage agreements, viewers are given a glimpse into the devastating impact of the recession on people from all walks of life.

Overall, "The Great American Bailout" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most significant economic events of our time. By weaving together expert analysis, personal narratives, and archival footage, Frontline provides a comprehensive look at the factors that led to the recession and the complicated efforts to rebuild the American economy in its aftermath.