Ep 2. Battle in the Bayou

Klepper season 1 episode 2, titled Battle in the Bayou, follows comedian Jordan Klepper as he travels to Louisiana to investigate the debate over Confederate monuments. The episode begins with Klepper meeting his guide, Michael "Country" Noel, a self-proclaimed activist who is leading the fight to take down these statues.

The first stop on their journey is a rally in New Orleans, where Klepper interviews both monument supporters and opponents. He asks tough questions and tries to understand both sides of the argument, even as tensions rise and emotions run high.

Klepper also meets with members of Take 'Em Down NOLA, a group that has been advocating for the removal of Confederate monuments in the city for years. He learns about the historical significance of these monuments, how they were erected during the Jim Crow era as a way of asserting white supremacy, and why they are so offensive to many people today.

Next, Klepper heads to Baton Rouge to meet with state lawmakers who are trying to block efforts to remove these statues. He interviews Rep. Thomas Carmody, who introduced a bill that would make it almost impossible to remove any Confederate monument in the state. Carmody argues that these monuments are an important part of Louisiana's history and should be preserved, despite their racist roots.

Throughout the episode, Klepper also spends time with Country, who takes him on a tour of the bayou and explains the ways in which Confederate symbols and ideology are still prevalent in the region. Country talks about how these symbols serve as a reminder of the pain and oppression that black people have endured for centuries in the South.

The episode culminates in a tense rally in St. Bernard Parish, where monument supporters come face-to-face with activists who want the statues removed. Klepper witnesses firsthand the emotions and anger that arise when these groups confront each other, and he tries to understand why some people are so resistant to change.

Overall, Battle in the Bayou is a powerful episode that explores the complexities of the debate over Confederate monuments. Klepper doesn't shy away from the difficult questions and doesn't take sides - instead, he tries to understand all perspectives and encourages viewers to do the same. It's an important and timely exploration of an issue that has divided communities across the country.