Independent Lens Season 11 Episode 27 Goodbye Solo

In the episode "Goodbye Solo" of season 11 of Independent Lens, viewers are introduced to two unlikely friends, Solo and William, whose lives intersect in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Solo is a cheerful Senegalese taxi driver who is determined to make a life for himself in America, while William is a cantankerous old man who has grown tired of living alone and has made the decision to end his life in two weeks' time.

As Solo begins to drive William around town, he becomes more and more concerned about the old man's plans. Despite William's claims that he has made peace with his decision, Solo refuses to give up on him. As the two men spend more time together, Solo tries to convince William to change his mind and find meaning in his life, even offering to be his friend and look after him.

Through their interactions, viewers learn about the struggles that both men have faced in their lives. Solo left his home in Senegal to make a better life for himself in America, but has found that the journey is much harder than he anticipated. He must navigate the challenges of being a foreigner in a new place and support his family from afar. William, on the other hand, has grown tired of his life and feels like he has nothing left to live for.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the friendship between Solo and William grow stronger. Despite their differences in age, background and outlook on life, the two men find common ground and a sense of camaraderie. They bond over shared experiences and form a bond that transcends cultural and generational barriers.

As the episode comes to a close, Solo realizes that he cannot change William's mind about his decision to end his life. However, he does not give up on their friendship and continues to support William in his final days. The episode leaves viewers with a bittersweet sense of hope, as Solo learns the value of friendship and William finds a sense of peace in his decision.

Overall, "Goodbye Solo" is a touching and thought-provoking episode that explores themes of friendship, purpose, and the value of life. Through the stories of Solo and William, viewers are challenged to consider what makes life worth living and how we can find meaning in the face of adversity. The episode is a testament to the power of human connection and the ways in which it can transform lives.