Frontline Season 5 Episode 10 The Bombing of West Philly

In season 5, episode 10 of the investigative documentary series Frontline, titled "The Bombing of West Philly," viewers are taken back to 1985 when the predominately African-American neighborhood of West Philly was violently shaken by a catastrophic explosion. On May 13 of that year, tensions between the police and a black liberation group called MOVE reached a boiling point, resulting in a standoff that lasted for hours. Eventually, the city authorized the use of explosives to destroy the group's headquarters, which they believed was fortified with weapons and explosives.

The hour-long episode includes interviews with surviving members of MOVE, Philadelphia police officers, and local residents who witnessed the tragedy. They all share their perspectives on what led to the bombing and the aftermath, including the deaths of 11 MOVE members, including five children, and the destruction of over 60 homes in the surrounding area.

Without taking sides, Frontline offers a detailed examination of the events leading up to the bombing, such as the city's long-running disagreements with MOVE over zoning violations. Additionally, the episode explores the political climate of the time, including the rise of black nationalism and the Reagan-era War on Drugs. One of the key takeaways is how the police mishandled the situation, leading to a devastating outcome that disproportionately affected minority and working-class citizens.

The episode gives ample space to explore the lasting impact that the bombing had on West Philly, including the relocation of surviving MOVE members, the trauma experienced by survivors and first responders, and the attempts at reconciliation made by the city's government. It also looks at how the community has since come together to rebuild and take ownership of their neighborhoods.

Using archival footage and interviews with historians and journalists who covered the event, Frontline provides a comprehensive, immersive portrayal of the bombing and the factors that contributed to it. The show avoids sensationalism and instead offers a clear-eyed look at a complex tragedy that has reverberated through generations. It's a powerful reminder of the historical context that often shapes contemporary events and a call for a more just and equitable society.