Ep 1. Holocaust Escape Tunnel

In the first episode of NOVA's 45th season, titled "Holocaust Escape Tunnel," viewers are taken on a journey through history to explore a hidden tunnel used by Jewish prisoners to escape the Nazis during World War II.

The episode begins in the Lithuanian town of Ponar, where over 100,000 people, including Jews, were murdered by Nazi forces over a two-year period. For decades, the truth about what happened in Ponar was largely forgotten, until a team of archaeologists, led by Dr. Richard Freund, began an excavation of the site in 2014.

As they began to dig deeper, the archaeologists discovered evidence of a secret tunnel, which had been dug by Jewish prisoners in an attempt to escape the death pits of Ponar. Survivors of the Holocaust had spoken about the tunnel for years, but no one had ever found it.

The NOVA team brings viewers along on their excavation journey, as they search for the tunnel and try to unravel the mysteries of Ponar. They use cutting-edge technology to map the site, including ground-penetrating radar and 3D imaging, in an effort to locate the hidden passageway.

Through interviews with survivors and family members of those who perished in Ponar, as well as experts in Holocaust history, the episode highlights the importance of uncovering and preserving this dark chapter of the past. It's a poignant reminder of the power of memory and the ongoing need to bear witness to history, even in the face of great tragedy.

Overall, "Holocaust Escape Tunnel" is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at an important piece of history that had remained hidden for far too long. The episode is sure to captivate viewers with its mix of archaeological discovery and poignant storytelling, and ultimately underscores the importance of never forgetting the lessons of the past.