Ep 5. Gun Nation

In the fifth episode of the third season of the thought-provoking documentary series, 30 Days, titled "Gun Nation," filmmaker Morgan Spurlock examines American gun culture by spending a month living with a family of avid gun enthusiasts in Norco, California. The episode opens with Spurlock admitting that he knows next to nothing about guns and that he is on a mission to learn about why so many Americans are passionate about guns.

As he settles into the home of the Jackson family, who are longtime devotees of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Spurlock quickly begins to understand the many facets of this complex issue. He learns that the Jacksons keep an impressive arsenal of firearms for a myriad of reasons - everything from hunting and home defense to sport shooting and collecting. He also witnesses firsthand how guns have become a deeply ingrained and valued part of the Jacksons' family life.

Throughout the episode, Spurlock delves into the many heated debates surrounding gun ownership in America. He attends a protest rally where gun rights advocates express their frustration with the government's attempts to regulate firearms. He also visits a gun show where he meets gun enthusiasts from all walks of life, including a young woman who carries a concealed weapon for personal protection and a gun store owner who claims that guns aren't the problem - people are.

As Spurlock spends more time with the Jacksons, he begins to understand that, for many gun owners, their love of guns is rooted in their values and beliefs. He spends a day at a local shooting range with the family, where he witnesses the joy they derive from practicing their shooting skills. He also joins them on a hunting trip, where they discuss the importance of respecting nature and the animals they hunt.

Despite his newfound appreciation for the Jacksons' dedication to gun ownership, Spurlock doesn't shy away from addressing the many concerns that critics of guns have with the current state of things. He speaks to a victim of gun violence who is still haunted by the trauma of being shot in a mass shooting. He also looks at the statistical evidence surrounding gun deaths in America and the correlation between gun ownership and gun-related deaths.

Ultimately, "Gun Nation" is a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of a deeply polarizing issue. Through Spurlock's interactions with the Jackson family and others in the pro-gun community, the episode provides a rare glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood and vilified by those on the opposite side of the debate. By the end of the episode, viewers are left to grapple with their own opinions on guns and the role they should play in American society.