Ep 1. Talibanistan & Armed And Black

In the first episode of Vice's eighth season, viewers are taken on a journey to Afghanistan to explore the longtime battle between the Taliban and Afghan forces. The show delves deep into the challenges faced by people in Afghanistan and how the weakening of the Taliban has led to a new threat in the form of ISIS.

The episode opens with footage of Taliban fighters patrolling streets in Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city. The scene is set with the help of Vice's correspondent, journalist Ben Anderson, who helps to explain the current situation in Afghanistan and how the Taliban is still a powerful force in many parts of the country.

During the episode, Anderson visits several places in Afghanistan to shed light on the situation that locals face. One of those locations is a hospital in Kabul, where victims of a recent suicide bombing are being treated. Anderson talks to doctors and survivors of the attack, providing a harrowing insight into the brutal reality of life in Afghanistan.

Viewers are also introduced to Afghan security forces and how they have combat the Taliban's influence and control over many parts of the country. Anderson interviews military leaders and soldiers, uncovering not only the challenges they face in fighting the Taliban but also the broader political issues that continue to hamper progress in Afghanistan.

The focus of the episode then shifts to the emerging confrontation with ISIS, whose presence is becoming increasingly felt in the country. Anderson travels to meet with a former Taliban leader who now fights with a local ISIS affiliate. During the interview, the former Taliban leader shares his perspectives on why he joined ISIS and how the group is different from the Taliban.

The second half of the episode moves away from Afghanistan and instead tackles the issue of police brutality in the United States. This topic is explored through the lens of New York City, where incidents of police brutality have been a frequent topic of discussion over the past few years.

Viewers are introduced to an organization called the Black Order of Police, which is made up of African American police officers who seek to address racism in law enforcement. Anderson talks to members of the organization and sheds light on the difficult job they face in balancing their roles as police officers and advocates for police reform.

The episode also features interviews with victims of police brutality, including the family of Eric Garner, a man who was killed by a police officer in 2014. The interviews are emotional and powerful and provide a human perspective on the impact of police brutality on individuals and their families.

Overall, the first episode of Vice's eighth season is a powerful exploration of two very different issues: the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and the struggle for police reform in the United States. While these topics may seem disparate at first glance, Vice manages to weave them together in a way that helps to illuminate the broader issue of social justice and the need for a more equitable world.