Independent Lens Season 8 Episode 22 Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

The Independent Lens season 8 episode 22 is titled "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room". The episode explores the story of Enron, one of the largest energy companies in the world, and its dramatic collapse. The episode documents how Enron was able to maintain an illusion of success, while engaging in fraudulent activities that eventually led to its downfall.

Through interviews with former employees, journalists, and regulators, the documentary reveals the inner workings of Enron, and the key players that drove the company to success, and then to ruin. The episode focuses on the personalities of Enron's top executives, CEO Jeff Skilling and Chairman Ken Lay, and how they were able to deceive investors, regulators, and the public.

The episode takes a comprehensive look at the company's rise and fall, from its aggressive accounting practices to its involvement in the California energy crisis. The documentary delves into how Enron's executives manipulated financial reports, hid debt, and inflated profits to make the company appear more successful than it was.

The episode also explores the impact of the Enron scandal on the community and the economy. The collapse of the company resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investors' and employees' retirement savings. The documentary also examines the role of regulators and auditors in the scandal, and the lessons that can be learned from Enron's downfall.

"Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" is a gripping, in-depth look at one of the most significant corporate scandals in history. The episode is both informative and entertaining, with expert analysis and insights from those who were at the center of the scandal. It highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the corporate world, and how unchecked greed and ambition can lead to disastrous consequences.

Overall, the episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in business, ethics, or current events. It provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the Enron scandal, and its impact on the wider world.