POV Season 35 Episode 1 Not Going Quietly

Not Going Quietly is the first episode of the 35th season of the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary series POV. The episode tells the story of Ady Barkan, a progressive activist and community organizer who was diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, in 2016.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, Ady has not given up his fight for social justice and healthcare reform. In fact, he has become a leading voice in the national movement to ensure that everyone in the United States has access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

Through intimate access to Ady and his family, as well as conversations with leading political figures, healthcare experts, and ordinary Americans, Not Going Quietly explores the personal and political dimensions of Ady's life and activism. The episode charts Ady's journey from a young lawyer fighting for immigrant rights to a prominent voice advocating for Medicare for All.

Not Going Quietly also examines Ady's personal life and relationships. His wife Rachael plays a key role in his activism, and the episode portrays their marriage as a source of strength and mutual support. Ady's young son Carl also figures prominently in the episode, and viewers witness the family's efforts to balance Ady's medical needs with their desire to create lasting memories together.

The episode includes interviews with a wide range of figures from across the political spectrum, including Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Cory Booker, as well as prominent figures in the healthcare industry such as Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Dr. Atul Gawande. These interviews provide a behind-the-scenes look at the struggle to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system in the United States.

Not Going Quietly is directed by Nicholas Bruckman, an award-winning filmmaker known for his thoughtful and compassionate approach to complex social issues. Bruckman has created a powerful and moving portrait of Ady Barkan, one of the most inspiring and courageous activists of our time.

Overall, Not Going Quietly is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in healthcare reform, social justice, and the power of personal activism. Ady Barkan's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and his message of hope and determination is one that everyone can learn from and be inspired by.