The New Yorker Presents Season 1 Episode 2 Episode Two
- TV-MA
- February 16, 2016
- 30 min
-
(23)
The New Yorker Presents season 1 episode 2, titled "Episode Two," is a continuation of the innovative docuseries that merges the traditional forms of journalism, documentary filmmaking, and storytelling. The riveting episode explores diverse themes that range from crime to art, from racism in America to the battle against cancer.
The episode kicks off with an investigation into one of the most notorious crimes in American history: the murder of Kitty Genovese, which was initially reported as being witnessed by dozens of bystanders who did nothing to help. The episode follows filmmaker Rachel Grady as she interviews Kitty's brother Bill and attempts to uncover the truth of what really happened that fateful night.
The next segment of the episode features renowned poet Elizabeth Alexander, who speaks about finding herself in the face of loss, the tragedy of her husband's sudden death, and the challenges that the world presents us all. The episode takes a deeply emotional turn as Alexander reads a poem that she wrote after losing her husband and reflects on the power of art and the strength of the human spirit.
The third segment of the episode is an examination of the concept of time, and specifically, how we measure it. The episode discusses the most precise atomic clocks ever built, which are capable of measuring time down to the billionth of a second. The segment explores how implementing this technology could lead to great advances in fields such as space exploration and communications.
The next segment is an intimate look at the life and work of renowned artist Tacita Dean, who is known for her stunning paintings and drawings. The episode takes us behind the scenes as she creates a new work of art and reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a working artist in the modern world.
The episode then pivots to a hard-hitting investigative piece about the battle against cancer. Journalist Siddhartha Mukherjee interviews patients, researchers, and doctors about the disease's social and scientific history, its current state of research and treatment, and the challenges of delivering precision medicine. The segment is both a stark reminder of the scope of the problem and a hopeful look at the progress that is being made in the war against cancer.
The episode concludes with a moving and inspirational segment that profiles Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter, Bernice King. The episode features a candid interview with King, who reflects on her father's life and legacy and explores the ways in which his message continues to inspire and resonate with people today.
Overall, The New Yorker Presents season 1 episode 2 is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that features a diverse array of themes and storytelling techniques. The series continues to push the boundaries of what a docuseries can be, and this episode is a shining example of its innovative approach to journalism and storytelling.