Independent Lens Season 10 Episode 1 Chicago 10

In season 10, episode 1 of Independent Lens, viewers are taken on a dramatic journey through the tumultuous events surrounding the Chicago Seven trial of 1968. Dubbed the Chicago 10, this group of anti-war protestors including Abbie Hoffman, Tom Hayden, and David Dellinger, were charged with creating a riot and inciting violence during the DNC in Chicago. Using a variety of archival footage, animation, and interviews, the episode explores the larger cultural context surrounding the trial, including the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with a deep exploration of the trial itself, including the courtroom antics of Hoffman and the other defendants, the response of the presiding judge, and the challenges faced by defense attorneys. Through interviews with legal experts, historians, and some of the remaining Chicago 10, viewers gain insights into the legal strategies employed by both prosecutors and defense lawyers, and the political implications of the trial for the country as a whole.

But the episode doesn't stop there. Through interviews with cultural icons such as Hank Aaron and Jesse Jackson, viewers are treated to a larger understanding of the impact that the trial had on the country as a whole. The episode explores the protests that took place outside of the courthouse, and the violent response of the police, as well as the larger cultural impact of this moment on American society.

Perhaps most significant, however, is the way in which the episode uses archival footage and animation to bring the events of the trial to life. Using striking visuals and haunting music, the episode captures the raw emotions of both the protestors and the police, and the sense of urgency that existed during this tumultuous time. Whether you were present for the events of 1968 or are simply curious about this fascinating moment in American history, this episode of Independent Lens is sure to prove a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most significant trials of the 20th century.