Ep 30. Back in the DPRK & California Burning

Back in the DPRK & California Burning, the thirtieth episode of the sixth season of the investigative journalism series Vice, covers two pressing issues: North Korea and the California wildfires.

The first segment of the episode takes us to North Korea, a country that has been shrouded in mystery for many years. In recent times, diplomatic relations between North Korea and the United States have taken center stage. Vice's correspondent, Gianna Toboni, heads to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, to investigate the current status of the country and to find out what the citizens think about their leader, Kim Jong-un.

The journey to North Korea is not an easy one. The team had to secure official permission from the government, and they are accompanied by government-appointed minders throughout their time in the country. Despite the constant surveillance, Toboni is able to capture intriguing footage of the country's capital, its people, and the strict regulations they have to follow. Toboni also meets North Koreans, from the celebrated artists to ordinary people on the streets. They discuss everything from the ongoing diplomatic relations to their aspirations for a unified Korea.

The second segment of the episode covers the wildfires that occurred in California in the fall of 2018. The fires burned through the northern and southern regions of the state, leading to the destruction of property and the loss of many lives. The episode looks into why California has been experiencing such intense fires and what the future holds.

The Vice team tracks down firefighters who are on the front lines of the wildfires and find out that they are not solely natural disasters as widely believed, but they are also a product of the way human beings have been treating the environment for many years. The team takes a closer look at the key environmental factors that lead to these massive fires, such as drought, high winds, and invasive tree species. The team speaks with environmental experts and scientists and explores the latest technology in firefighting.

Back in the DPRK & California Burning provides a thought-provoking documentary style look at two of the biggest issues the world has faced in recent years. The episode offers a detailed and honest report about North Korea, a country that has been relatively isolated from the rest of the world for quite some time. The viewers learn firsthand about the living conditions in the country and the citizens’ opinions about their leader and the global politics surrounding their country.

The California wildfires segment is particularly relevant today, as the world wakes up to the impacts of climate change. The episode provides useful insights into the future of how human activities can impact the environment, and shows how fire-fighting technology has evolved to cope with the crisis. The documentary is intense, emotional, and informative, and it’s worth watching for anyone who wants more knowledge about the global concerns of North Korea and the environment.

Back in the DPRK & California Burning is one of the most fascinating and informative episodes of the Vice series. Despite being quite lengthy, it manages to keep the audience engaged the entire time. The episode ends by providing some crucial takeaways, such as a better understanding of the conditions of North Korea, the dangers of climate change and how human activities can impact the environment, and how technology can be useful in firefighting. Anyone interested in international affairs and environmental issues should view this episode.