Frontline Season 17 Episode 1 The Farmer's Wife, Part 1

In the first episode of season 17 of Frontline, titled "The Farmer's Wife, Part 1," the show explores the challenges faced by a rural family in America's heartland. The story centers around Juanita and Darrel Buschkoetter, a Nebraska couple struggling to keep their farm afloat amidst the stresses of both financial hardship and personal turmoil.

The episode delves into the Buschkoetter family's past, detailing how the couple met as teenagers and fell in love before starting their own farm. With crops failing and debts mounting, the couple is forced to confront difficult decisions about their future together and the future of their farm. Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a cast of characters, including their three young daughters and a network of friends and relatives who rally around the family in support during their struggles.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Juanita and Darrel's difficulties extend beyond the farm. The couple's relationship is strained by ongoing tensions related to Darrel's drinking and past infidelity. As they grapple with these issues, Juanita works to maintain a sense of normalcy for her daughters, even as she wonders whether their future lies in the farming life. Meanwhile, Darrel struggles to come to terms with the harsh realities of their situation, including the possibility of losing their farm and starting over from scratch.

Throughout "The Farmer's Wife, Part 1," Frontline captures the complexities of rural life and the challenges faced by those who work the land. The episode features stunning shots of the Nebraska landscape and scenes of farm work, interspersed with intimate interviews with the Buschkoetters and their loved ones. The camera captures the emotions of Juanita and Darrel, from their moments of despair to their moments of hope and determination.

As the first episode of a two-part series, "The Farmer's Wife, Part 1" sets the stage for the Buschkoetters' story and leaves viewers eager to learn what comes next. The episode paints a picture of a family caught between competing desires--for financial stability and for personal fulfillment--and offers a glimpse into the unique challenges faced by rural communities in contemporary America. With its nuanced portrayal of a family on the brink, this episode is sure to resonate with viewers young and old, rural and urban.