NOVA Season 14 Episode 1 The Search for the Disappeared

The first episode of season 14 of NOVA is titled "The Search for the Disappeared." In this episode, viewers are brought into the world of forensic anthropology and the work being done to identify victims of political violence from the past. The focus of the documentary is on the aftermath of the Guatemalan civil war, a brutal conflict that began in the 1960s and lasted over thirty years, leaving more than 200,000 people dead.

During the war, many people were "disappeared" - abducted and presumably killed by soldiers or paramilitaries, often without any explanation or evidence of their death. The families of these individuals were left without closure, not knowing if their loved ones were dead or alive. Decades later, forensic anthropologists are using DNA and other techniques to try and identify the remains of these missing persons, so that their families can finally have some answers.

The episode follows the team of forensic experts as they travel to remote villages in Guatemala, where they work alongside local communities to exhum rare gravesites. They explain their methods and the advanced technology they use to identify skeletons and clues, like weapon damage, medical implants, and dental records. Scientists examine the physical evidence of the remains and compare them to family DNA samples, hoping to eventually make a match.

The show also explores the political and social implications of this search. The anthropologists work under difficult conditions, with little government support, and risk their own safety to help these families. They also confront the trauma of the war itself, reflecting on the violence and brutality that occurred. Meanwhile, relatives of the dead share their own stories of loss, recounting their search for information and justice. They explain how the search for the disappeared is not just about solving individual cases, but about confronting the legacy of violence and impunity that still plagues Guatemala today.

Overall, "The Search for the Disappeared" is a gripping and emotional look at a complex issue of justice, memory, and reconciliation. The show does an excellent job of explaining the science behind forensic anthropology and the challenges of this work, while giving a human face to the victims and their families. The episode is a reminder of the importance of science and justice in healing the wounds of war.