Independent Lens Season 17 Episode 13 An Honest Liar

In the Independent Lens season 17 episode 13 titled "An Honest Liar," viewers are presented with the intriguing story of James "The Amazing" Randi - a magician, illusionist and a skeptic, whose life mission was to expose fraud and deception in the world of entertainment. Randi was a pioneer, in every sense of the word, and his contribution to the world of magic is unrivaled.

The episode takes us on a fascinating journey through Randi's life and work, starting with his early days as a stage magician to his later years as an activist fighting against those who exploited and misused the art of deception. We learn about the many incredible illusions that Randi created during his career, including his famous "escape from a straitjacket" trick, which he performed while hanging upside down, suspended by his ankles from a tall building.

Throughout his career, Randi became increasingly disillusioned with the deception and trickery that he saw in the world of magic and vowed to use his skills to promote honesty and reality. He began by exposing frauds and charlatans who claimed to possess supernatural powers and went on to become an expert in debunking paranormal claims. He was a fierce critic of those who tried to exploit people's gullibility for their own financial gain and used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of skepticism and critical thinking.

The episode also explores Randi's personal life, including his difficult childhood, his romantic relationships, and his close friendship with fellow magician Penn Jillette. We get to see Randi in his later years, as he battles illness and reflects on his life's work.

At the heart of "An Honest Liar" is the question of what it means to be truthful. Through Randi's story, we see how the line between truth and deception can often be blurred and how easy it is for people to be fooled. But we also see the power of honesty and transparency, and how they can be used to promote understanding and progress.

Overall, this episode is a captivating exploration of the life and work of a remarkable individual, whose legacy has inspired generations of magicians and skeptics alike. "An Honest Liar" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and psychology of magic and deception, or anyone who cares about the importance of critical thinking and honesty in today's society.