Ep 123. Andrew Cohen, Laura Linney

Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 123 features two prominent guests, Andrew Cohen and Laura Linney. Andrew Cohen is a legal analyst and a contributor for CBS News, and Laura Linney is a renowned actress and film producer. The episode covers a wide range of topics, including the media's coverage of the 2016 presidential election, the state of the justice system in the US, and the power of storytelling in film and television.

During the interview with Andrew Cohen, Tavis Smiley delves into his expertise as a legal analyst and his views on the flaws of the US justice system. Cohen talks about the systemic issues in the justice system that need to be addressed, such as racial bias in law enforcement and the lack of resources for public defenders. He also talks about the media's coverage of high-profile cases like the O.J. Simpson trial and how it has affected public perception of the justice system. Cohen asserts that there needs to be more attention given to the flaws in the justice system and that there are concrete steps that can be taken to improve it.

The conversation then pivots towards the topic of the 2016 presidential election and the media's role in it. Cohen talks about the challenges of covering a candidate like Donald Trump and the ethical considerations that journalists must navigate. He emphasizes the importance of accountability in the media and the need for more transparency in political coverage.

Tavis Smiley then turns to the other guest, Laura Linney, and explores her career in the entertainment industry. Linney discusses the power of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with portraying characters in film and television. She talks about her experience working on the critically acclaimed Netflix series Ozark and the challenges of playing a complex character like Wendy Byrde. Linney also talks about the importance of diverse representation in the entertainment industry and how it allows for more perspectives to be shared.

The conversation then turns towards the state of the film industry and the shifts that have occurred in recent years with the rise of streaming services. Linney shares her thoughts on how the industry has changed and what it means for filmmakers and audiences alike. She emphasizes the need for filmmakers to adapt and be open to new opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Tavis Smiley conducts thoughtful and insightful interviews with both Andrew Cohen and Laura Linney, covering a range of topics that are pertinent to our society today. Viewers will walk away with a deeper understanding of the justice system, the media's role in politics, and the power of storytelling in film and television.