Frontline Season 27 Episode 5 The Old Man and the Storm

In the fifth episode of the 27th season of Frontline, titled "The Old Man and the Storm", viewers are taken on a journey through the eyes of an aging New Orleans resident who struggled to rebuild his home and his life after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city in 2005.

The episode opens with a look back at the catastrophic event that left thousands of people displaced and struggling to survive in the aftermath. The focus then shifts to Herbert Gettridge, an 82-year-old African American man who had lived in the city all his life. He and his wife Lydia had raised their children in their home on Roman Street, a neighborhood where everyone knew and looked out for each other. However, after Katrina, everything changed.

The storm had damaged the Gettridge's home severely, leaving them with no choice but to seek temporary shelter until they could rebuild. Herbert becomes the voice of an entire city, recounting the difficulties and the emotional toll that the disaster took on New Orleans' inhabitants. From the difficulty accessing aid to the lack of support from government agencies, viewers are brought face-to-face with the realities of what it felt like to be a victim of the disaster.

Despite all these challenges, Herbert remains determined to rebuild his home. He becomes a symbol of strength and resilience, working tirelessly to repair his house while always maintaining an unyielding optimism. The film captures his unwavering spirit and determination, even as he faces additional setbacks from hurricanes Rita and Isaac.

"The Old Man and the Storm" is a powerful portrait of an individual's struggle to rebuild his life after a devastating natural disaster. But perhaps more importantly, it's a story about the resilience of the human spirit. Herbert Gettridge's story serves not only as a testament to the strength of the human spirit but also as an indictment of a government and bureaucratic system that failed its citizens during a time of crisis.

The episode offers a unique look at the aftermath of a natural disaster from the perspective of someone who lived through it. It's a haunting, deeply personal story filled with quiet moments of reflection and insight into a man who persevered against all odds. Viewers will come away from the episode with a renewed appreciation for the strength and resilience of the human spirit and a deeper understanding of the impact natural disasters can have on people's lives.

Overall, "The Old Man and the Storm" is a must-see episode of Frontline that will move and inspire viewers with its powerful message of hope and determination in the face of adversity.