Independent Lens Season 5 Episode 5 Be Good, Smile Pretty

Be Good, Smile Pretty is an emotionally powerful episode from season 5 of Independent Lens. The episode explores the aftermath of the Vietnam War as witnessed through the eyes of a young girl whose father was killed in action. It is a moving and intimate portrait of a family shattered by loss, and a nation struggling to come to terms with the toll of war.

The episode begins with Tracy, the daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, recalling the day her father died. She was just a baby at the time, but the memory of her father still lingers in her mind. She speaks candidly about her attempts to piece together his life and the circumstances surrounding his death, while also exploring her own identity as the child of a soldier.

Tracy's story is interwoven with that of her mother, Linda, who shares her own memories of the war and its aftermath. Linda describes the impact of her husband's death on herself and her children, and discusses the difficulties she faced in trying to rebuild her life as a single mother. She also remembers her husband's commitment to his country and the sense of duty that drove him to enlist.

As the episode progresses, we meet other veterans and family members affected by the war. We hear from a group of women who visited Vietnam in the 1990s in search of closure and understanding, and who describe the emotional weight of returning to the place where their loved ones had died. We also hear from a man who served in Vietnam and struggled with PTSD upon his return, as well as his daughter who had to navigate the emotional fallout of his trauma.

The episode is not just a personal account of the experiences of one family, but also a broader exploration of the impact of war on society. It examines the politics and rhetoric surrounding the Vietnam War, as well as the lasting effects on the veterans themselves and those who loved them.

Be Good, Smile Pretty is a moving and poignant episode that explores the complex emotions and memories surrounding the Vietnam War. It offers a nuanced and personal perspective on a conflict that continues to shape our society today. Viewers will be left with a greater understanding of the human cost of war and the ongoing struggle to come to terms with its legacy.