Frontline Season 9 Episode 17 The Man Who Made the Supergun

The Frontline season 9 episode 17 titled "The Man Who Made the Supergun" explores the complex story of a Canadian citizen named Gerald Bull who became known as the "Saddam's Bombmaker". The episode delves into the life of this man who was once recognized as a genius but later became a marked figure in international political affairs.

The episode begins with the narration of Bull's early years, where his fascination with rockets and artillery led him to pursue graduate studies at the University of Toronto. Bull's innovative solutions and contributions to rocket and gun technology captured the attention of major governmental weapons contractors, including the United States Department of Defense and later President Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq.

The episode discusses how, after a falling out with the U.S. military, Bull was forced to seek funding elsewhere and gravitated toward Hussein's Iraq, where he played a significant role in building the Al Faw Super Gun, the world's most lethal artillery weapon. The episode details how the weapon was not yet completed before the Gulf War's start, and Bull found himself in custody on suspicions of helping Iraq develop its missile and weapons programs.

The episode features interviews with several individuals who interacted with Bull throughout his career, including fellow weapons developers, government officials, former colleagues, and Bull's sister, who shared personal insights into what motivated her brother's work. The interviews highlight Bull's unwavering passion for gun and artillery technology, a trait that ultimately sealed his fate as a "rogue weapon developer."

The episode sheds light on the controversial and polarizing nature of Bull's work and how it played a role in his death. The episode explores the different theories surrounding his assassination, including whether it was a revenge killing orchestrated by Israeli intelligence or a solution to the problem of a highly skilled weapon developer who had turned on Hussein and could not be trusted.

The episode concludes by questioning whether individuals like Bull, who find themselves at the forefront of controversial weapon development projects, should take personal responsibility for the violent outcomes that their inventions ultimately cause. The episode answers this question by portraying Bull as a passionate and dedicated scientist who, despite his questionable ethical footing, fulfilled a significant role in shaping modern military technology.

Overall, Frontline season 9 episode 17 is an engaging and thought-provoking look at the life of a man who played a critical role in the development of some of the world's most lethal weapons. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in military technology, weapons development, and its ethical implications.