Ep 5. Tobacco on Trial

In season 4, episode 5 of Frontline, titled "Tobacco on Trial," the show delves into the legal battle against the tobacco industry in the late 1990s. The episode begins with a look at the devastating impact that tobacco has had on individuals and society as a whole. With millions of deaths and astronomical healthcare costs associated with smoking, there was finally a push to hold the industry accountable.

The episode mainly focuses on the landmark lawsuit brought by five states against the major tobacco companies, which sought to recoup billions of dollars spent on treating smoking-related illnesses. The lawsuit was a contentious battle, with the tobacco industry claiming that they couldn't be blamed for people's personal choices to smoke. However, as the evidence began to mount against them, the companies found themselves on the defensive.

One of the most memorable moments of the episode is the testimony of former tobacco executive Jeffrey Wigand, who had become a key whistleblower in the fight against tobacco. In his powerful testimony, Wigand revealed the lengths that the industry had gone to in order to conceal the truth about the addictive and harmful nature of their products. His testimony was instrumental in the eventual settlement of the lawsuit, which resulted in the tobacco companies agreeing to pay billions of dollars to the states and making major changes to their advertising practices.

Throughout the episode, the complexity of the legal battle is highlighted, with numerous players involved and a lot of money at stake. However, at its core, the fight against tobacco was a moral one. The show does an excellent job of contextualizing the case within the broader societal and political landscape of the time, showing how activists and politicians had been pushing for action against the tobacco industry for years. In this sense, the episode serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of holding powerful corporations accountable for their actions.

Overall, "Tobacco on Trial" is a riveting and thought-provoking episode of Frontline. It offers a detailed and nuanced look at an important moment in American history, and serves as a testament to the power of investigative journalism to uncover the truth. Anyone interested in legal battles, public health, or corporate accountability will find this episode a fascinating and informative watch.