Ep 9. Captive in El Salvador

In season 2 episode 9 of Frontline, titled Captive in El Salvador, viewers are taken on a journey into the violent world of Central America. The episode tells the story of two American women, Sister Carol Piette and Sister Barbara Ford, who were kidnapped by El Salvadoran guerrillas in 1989.

The episode starts by introducing the two nuns and their work in helping the poor and marginalized in El Salvador during a time of political turmoil. The country was torn apart by a brutal civil war between the military-backed government and leftist guerrilla groups. The nuns, who had lived in the country for several years, were targeted by guerrilla groups who saw them as symbols of American imperialism.

The episode then moves on to describe the harrowing experience of the nuns' capture. The two were taken from their car at gunpoint and held captive for over two months, during which time they were subjected to mental and physical torture. Through interviews with the nuns and their families, Frontline paints a vivid picture of the fear and uncertainty they experienced during their captivity.

The episode explores the political environment of the time, delving into the complex history of U.S. involvement in El Salvador. It also examines the role of the Catholic Church in the country, and how the nuns' kidnapping became a rallying cry for those fighting against the government. The program includes interviews with El Salvadoran politicians and former guerrilla fighters, shedding light on the complex web of alliances and animosities that defined the conflict.

Captive in El Salvador is a gripping and emotional episode that takes viewers deep into the heart of one of the most violent and complicated conflicts of the 20th century. Through the eyes of two innocent victims, we witness the cruelty and terror of a war that tore apart a nation and left scars that are still visible today. The episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of great danger.