Ep 9. Death, Inc.

In season 2 episode 9 of Penn and Teller Bullshit, titled "Death, Inc.," the famous magician duo sets out to debunk myths and expose the truth behind the funeral industry and death in general.

The episode starts with Penn and Teller attending a funeral and then visiting a funeral home to learn about the different services they offer. They quickly realize that the funeral industry is all about making money and exploiting people's fear of death. The funeral director tries to upsell them on various caskets, urns, and services that are expensive and unnecessary.

Penn and Teller then investigate the history of embalming, which was introduced during the Civil War to preserve the bodies of soldiers being transported home. They learn that embalming is not required by law and is often used just to make the body look good for the viewing, which is not necessary for the grieving process.

The show also delves into the topic of grief and mourning, questioning the idea that a funeral ceremony is necessary for closure and healing. Penn and Teller talk to psychologists and other experts who argue that there are many ways to mourn and remember a loved one that don't involve an expensive funeral.

They also explore the rise of cremation as an alternative to traditional burial, exposing the fact that funeral directors often pressure families into buying expensive cremation urns and services, even though cremation itself is a simple and affordable process.

Overall, "Death, Inc." is an eye-opening episode that challenges our cultural assumptions about death and the funeral industry. Penn and Teller present a compelling argument for rethinking our attitudes toward death and mourning and questioning the motives of those who profit from our fear and grief.