Ep 2. Rivals: Superclasico

VICE WORLD OF SPORTS is a television documentary series which explores the nexus between sports, politics and culture in different parts of the world. The Season 2 of the show airs on Viceland and follows a new set of stories that shed light on various aspects of the sports world. The second episode of Season 2 is called "Rivals: Superclasico," and it takes the viewers to Argentina to explore one of the biggest football rivalries in the world.

The episode focuses on the rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate, two of the most popular football clubs in Argentina who face each other for the Superclasico, the most fiercely contested game in the Argentine football league. The episode documents the passion, the chaos and the raw emotions that come with this showdown between the arch-rivals.

The episode begins with a brief history of the two clubs, tracing their roots back to the early 20th century when the Boca Juniors were created by a group of Italian immigrants, and the River Plate was founded by the upper-class English-speaking Argentineans. The episode explores how these two clubs represented different social classes, regions and cultural identities that were in conflict with each other. The episode talks about how the Superclasico became a means to express the deep-rooted divisions in Argentine society through the medium of football.

The episode features interviews with players, coaches, fans and journalists who have lived the Superclasico experience first hand. They recount their memories, experiences and insights into what makes this rivalry so unique and intense. The episode captures the rituals, the chants, the songs and the pre-match frenzy that create the Superclasico atmosphere.

The episode then moves on to the current state of the rivalry, highlighting the recent incidents of violence, hooliganism and corruption that have plagued the Argentine football scene. The episode shows how the Superclasico has become an avenue for the expression of political and economic interests that have little to do with the sport itself. The episode reveals the darker side of the Superclasico, where the passion and the spectacle are accompanied by fear and danger.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the future of the Superclasico and Argentine football in general. The episode poses questions about the role of football in society, the responsibility of the fans and the players, and the possibility of reconciliation between the rivals. The episode offers a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the Superclasico and leaves the viewers with a sense of awe and admiration for the power of sport to unite and divide communities.

In conclusion, the second episode of Vice World of Sports Season 2 titled "Rivals: Superclasico" is a must-watch for anyone interested in football, sports fandom, and the intersection of sports with larger socio-political issues. The episode offers an in-depth look at one of the most iconic sporting rivalries in the world and explores the complex and contradictory nature of sports in modern society. The episode is a testament to the exceptional production quality and the insightful storytelling that have defined the Vice World of Sports series.