Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 177 James Ellroy

In the seventh season of Tavis Smiley, episode 177 features James Ellroy, a renowned American crime fiction author. Ellroy is known for his intense, hard-boiled style of writing and his ability to uncover truth in some of the most notorious unsolved crimes in American history.

In this episode, Tavis talks with Ellroy about his latest work, "Widespread Panic," a true crime story set in the early 1960s that uncovers the truth about a string of murders in Los Angeles that were linked to a group of drifter criminals. Ellroy takes Tavis on a journey through the making of "Widespread Panic," from the research he did to uncover the truth about the murders to the writing process and finally to the response he's received from readers.

Throughout the show, Ellroy shares his perspective on the criminal justice system in America, its shortcomings, and how it can be improved to better serve marginalized communities. He also touches on his own experiences with addiction and how he's been able to overcome it to continue creating compelling and thought-provoking books.

While discussing his extensive body of work, Ellroy shares his inspiration for each of his previous novels, from "The Black Dahlia," which was inspired by the unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short in 1947, to "LA Confidential," which sheds light on the corruption and police brutality that were prevalent in Los Angeles during the 1950s.

In addition to talking about his novels, Ellroy shares his perspective on the role of literature in society, arguing that fiction has the power to expose important truths that would otherwise be hidden from view. He makes the case that literature can be used as a tool for social change and can inspire readers to think critically about the world around them.

Finally, Ellroy and Tavis take a moment to reflect on the importance of art in society and how it can be used to preserve and communicate the experiences of those who have been marginalized or oppressed. Ellroy argues that art has the power to bring people together and unite them around shared values and experiences.

Overall, Tavis Smiley season 7 episode 177 featuring James Ellroy is a fascinating and insightful look into the mind of one of America's most acclaimed crime fiction authors. Ellroy's unique perspective on crime, justice, and the power of literature to effect change is sure to make viewers think critically about the world around them.