Frontline Season 20 Episode 24 Shattered Dreams

Frontline season 20 episode 24, titled "Shattered Dreams," delves into the devastating impact of the foreclosure crisis on American families and communities. The episode follows several families and individuals who have lost their homes due to the subprime mortgage crisis, as well as activists and experts who are working to hold those responsible accountable and prevent future crises.

Through interviews with victims of the crisis, viewers are given a stark picture of the toll that losing a home can take on a family. The emotional impact is palpable as families describe the stress and trauma of losing their homes and struggling to find a new place to live. Many describe feeling betrayed by the banks and financial institutions that they trusted, and some share stories of violations and injustices they experienced during the foreclosure process.

The episode also explores the broader social and economic implications of the foreclosure crisis. Viewers learn how the crisis contributed to the widening wealth gap in the United States, as well as the profound impact on communities as neighborhoods became blighted with vacant and abandoned properties.

Throughout the episode, Frontline investigates the actions of banks and lenders in the years leading up to the crisis. The show examines how risky lending practices and complex financial instruments contributed to the collapse of the subprime mortgage market, as well as the role of government regulators in allowing these practices to go unchecked.

Activists and experts also weigh in on solutions to prevent future crises and hold institutions accountable for their actions. They argue for greater regulation of the financial industry and the creation of programs to support homeowners facing foreclosure. Viewers are also introduced to grassroots movements advocating for change, as well as initiatives aimed at restoring and rebuilding communities impacted by the foreclosure crisis.

Overall, "Shattered Dreams" is a powerful and moving examination of the human cost of the foreclosure crisis, as well as a call to action for greater accountability and reform within the financial industry.