Independent Lens Season 14 Episode 9 The Power Broker

In the season 14 episode 9 of Independent Lens, entitled "The Power Broker," viewers are taken on a journey through the life of Robert Moses. Moses was a controversial figure in American politics and urban planning, known as the "master builder" of mid-20th century New York City.

Through interviews with historians, activists, and Moses' own family members, the episode explores the impact of Moses' work on the city and its residents. Moses was responsible for the construction of hundreds of miles of highways, bridges, and parks in New York City, transforming the urban landscape in profound ways.

However, Moses' legacy is also steeped in controversy. He was accused of bulldozing neighborhoods and displacing countless residents in the name of progress. Many of the communities affected were predominantly poor and minority, leading some to argue that Moses' work perpetuated systemic inequality.

The episode also delves into Moses' personal life, including his complicated relationship with his brother and his own motivations for pursuing such a powerful position in government. Viewers will come away with a nuanced understanding of both the positive and negative impacts of Moses' work, complicating the conventional narrative of his legacy.