Independent Lens Season 9 Episode 1 Wordplay

Wordplay, the first episode of season 9 of Independent Lens, is an exploration of the world of competitive crossword puzzle solving and one man's quest to become a champion. The episode follows Will Shortz, the puzzle editor of the New York Times, as he hosts the 28th American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and introduces us to some of the best and brightest minds in the field.

The film begins by introducing us to the art of crossword puzzle solving, which many people see as a challenging and rewarding mental exercise. We get to see just how passionate and skilled the competitors are as they prepare for the tournament. Some of them have been solving puzzles for decades, while others are relative newcomers to the game. All of them, however, share a deep love for the challenge and the satisfaction that comes with completing a difficult puzzle.

As the tournament gets underway, we get to watch the competitors in action and hear from them about what drives them to solve puzzles. We get to see the different strategies they use to solve the puzzles, and we learn about the culture and community that has developed around competitive crossword puzzle solving.

The episode also explores the history of crossword puzzles, from their origins in the early 20th century to their explosion in popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. We learn about how crossword puzzles were first seen as a frivolous diversion and how they eventually became recognized as a valuable tool for mental exercise and education. We also get to hear about some of the controversies that have surrounded crossword puzzles over the years, from accusations of plagiarism to concerns about the use of obscure and esoteric words.

Throughout the episode, we follow the journey of Tyler Hinman, a young college student who has been competing in crossword puzzle solving competitions since he was a teenager. Tyler is determined to become a champion, and we get to see him as he prepares for the tournament and competes against some of the best solvers in the world. We get to hear from his family and friends about his passion for puzzles and his drive to succeed, and we get to see the ups and downs of his journey as he tries to achieve his goal.

In the end, Wordplay is both a celebration of the art and culture of crossword puzzle solving and an exploration of the human drive to compete and succeed. It shows us how puzzles can be not just a form of entertainment, but also a way to exercise our minds and connect with others who share our passions. And it reminds us that the pursuit of excellence, no matter how obscure or seemingly trivial the field, can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey.