Louis Theroux: Altered States - Choosing Death Season 1 Episode 1 Louis Theroux: Altered States - Choosing Death

Louis Theroux is no stranger to delving into the strange, unusual and taboo topics of society. In his latest show 'Altered States' he embarks on a journey to investigate life altering decisions that people are making. Episode one, 'Choosing Death', focuses on the controversial topic of assisted dying in California.

Louis Theroux begins his deep dive into the subject by setting up a meeting with Dr. Lonny Shavelson, who has been providing medically assisted deaths to patients since it became legal in California in 2016. Dr. Shavelson shares his thoughts on the law, and how it has impacted his life as well as his patients’. Despite the fact he understands that he is helping people pass away, he still admits that there are numerous aspects to the process that he finds difficult and emotionally draining at times.

Louis also has the opportunity to speak with Crawford Long, a retired Australian who has currently moved with his wife to California in order to benefit from the assisted dying law. Crawford, who at one point was very much against the idea of assisted dying, has since changed his mind and fully supports people's right to choose how they go. Crawford's wife also shares why she supports his decision and how it has affected their life together.

The episode also explores the opinions of those who challenge the moral and ethical aspects of the assisted death laws in California. These interviews highlight how the law is not seen by some as an innocent act of compassion but as a slippery slope that could lead to more dangerous outcomes. Some of the individuals who are pushing back against these laws are Janie Ingram and Marilyn Golden, both of whom are advocates for people with disabilities. They express their concerns about who will be given the power to choose who can legally receive medical assistance to end their life and urge society to reconsider.

Louis tries to stay impartial throughout the show, allowing both sides to voice their reasons for their beliefs. Although only an hour long, the show manages to cover various aspects of the assisted dying debate whilst remaining sensitive to the topic. It is clear that Louis is trying to understand this delicate situation from many different perspectives.

Overall, the show 'Choosing Death' leaves its audience to come up with their own conclusions by highlighting some of the issues that surround assisted dying in a thought-provoking way. This new chapter of Louis Theroux's work invites viewers to engage in topics that many may find too troubling or taboo to discuss openly. This bold and groundbreaking show is everything we have come to expect from Louis Theroux – sincere, honest and respectful to everyone involved.