Ep 10. Supreme Revenge

In "Supreme Revenge," the season 38, episode 10 of Frontline, we are taken deep inside the intense political battle for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation. The show explores the journey of Kavanaugh's confirmation, the accusations of Christine Blasey Ford against him, and the aftermath of his confirmation. The documentary provides a detailed analysis of the growing polarization of American politics and its severe consequences.

The first part of the episode focuses on Kavanaugh's early years and his conservative background. It delves into his early career and his reputation as a brilliant legal mind. However, the episode quickly transitions to the battle between the Senate Judiciary Committee and the opposing forces led by a group of women infuriated by the President's nomination. These women mobilize behind Dr. Ford, who alleges Kavanaugh of assaulting her at a high school party in the 80s. The ensuing investigation leads to sordid revelations of Kavanaugh's drinking habits, allegations of sexual assault, and his apparent dishonesty during the judiciary hearing.

The opposition led by Senator Dianne Feinstein is presented as a fierce opponent of Kavanaugh's nomination. Meanwhile, the Republicans are portrayed as desperate to push his nomination through as quickly as possible. The show provides surprising insights into the political drama behind the hearings, the behavior of Kavanaugh's supporters, and the tactics of those opposing his confirmation.

Nevertheless, this drama is not solely political. The series delves into the personality of Kavanaugh, including his bitterness towards Bill Clinton for perceived mistreatment and his apparent lack of transparency. Viewers are given an inside look at Kavanaugh and his upbringing, in addition to the personal relationships between Kavanaugh and the President. Additionally, it provides an analysis of how Kavanaugh and his Republican allies leveraged the allegations against him, leading to an absolute polarization of the country on their way to victory.

As the confirmation hearing comes to a close, the episode focuses on the aftermath of the Kavanaugh saga. It explores the lasting impact of his appointment on people with differing political views. The episode highlights the tremendous damage the Kavanaugh confirmation had on the American public perception of the Supreme Court. It also addresses the long-term effect Kavanaugh's confirmation had on the #MeToo movement and survivors of sexual assault, who are often dismissed and marginalized in their communities and society.

Overall, "Supreme Revenge" presents a cohesive and informative look at the political and social fallout of Kavanaugh's nomination and eventual confirmation. It's an episode that provides a well-rounded, in-depth analysis of a deeply polarizing issue. The documentary explores the relationship between politics, media, and norms in the United States. It is a great watch for anyone looking to understand the intense political climate, increased polarization, and the problems that come with packing the courts.