Ep 3. Episode 3

In the third episode of Who Is America?, the satirical series takes viewers to the Deep South to explore the issue of gun violence and gun control. Disguised as a gun-rights advocate from Israel named Colonel Erran Morad, Sacha Baron Cohen interviews gun-rights activists, politicians, and everyday citizens to probe their beliefs on the subject.

The episode begins with a segment on the deadly school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. As Colonel Morad, Baron Cohen meets with Philip Van Cleave, the president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, to discuss a new program to arm schoolchildren with guns and teach them how to defend themselves against attackers. Van Cleave enthusiastically endorses the idea and even participates in a demonstration of the program's effectiveness with a group of young children.

Throughout the episode, Baron Cohen highlights some of the absurdities and contradictions of America's gun culture. He visits a gun store in Kingman, Arizona, where he showcases a "Kinderguardians" program that would train toddlers to use firearms. He uses a specially designed training gun that makes shooting sounds and emits teddy bears from its barrel to help train the young children.

Next, he meets with Larry Pratt, the executive director of Gun Owners of America, who advocates for the sale of guns without any background checks. Pratt is pleased to hear about a new program that will enable gun owners to have their firearms installed in disabled individuals' chairs, thus giving them accessibility and protection. Later, he meets with Matt Gaetz, a pro-gun Republican congressman from Florida, who introduces a proposed bill to allow toddlers to carry firearms.

Famous gun-rights activist, Joe Walsh, also features in the episode. As Colonel Morad, Baron Cohen convinces Walsh to put his support behind a new "Kinderguardians" campaign, which he says is intended to help children between the ages of three and sixteen to defend themselves against attackers. Walsh agrees to make a promotional video for the campaign, in which he advocates for guns for toddlers.

The episode also features a segment on the NRA, one of the most controversial organizations in America. Baron Cohen manages to persuade several high-ranking officials within the NRA to endorse his fictitious "Kinder-Guardians" program. These officials comprise of former senator Trent Lott, Joe Wilson, congressman from South Carolina, and several others.

The final segment of the show takes place in a small town in Kingman, Arizona. Here, Baron Cohen poses as a Czech millionaire, wanting to purchase land for a new development. He convinces local council members to vote in favour of giving him the land. Then, he entices Councilman Phil “PJ” Pederson with an idea that he believes will revolutionize the town and bring prosperity. Baron Cohen suggests that the town, rather than ban guns, should promote guns and firearms to attract tourists. Pederson is unaware that the proposal was a ruse.

Throughout "Who Is America?" season one episode three, Sacha Baron Cohen continues to push the boundaries of satire and the limits of what people are willing to believe about guns and gun control. The episode touches on a range of topics and interviews many people who hold controversial views on firearms, including politicians and gun-rights activists. It's a thought-provoking and, at times, hilarious look at an issue that has become a central concern for many Americans in recent years.