Ep 2. Pudd'nhead Wilson

Pudd'nhead Wilson is the second episode of the third season of American Playhouse. Set in the fictional town of Dawson's Landing, Missouri in the 1840s, the episode revolves around the life of a young slave named Roxy who switches her light-skinned son with her master's white son in order to ensure a better life for him.

The episode is an adaptation of Mark Twain's novel of the same name and focuses on themes of race, identity, and the complex social order of the antebellum South. It follows the struggles and challenges faced by Roxy and her son, who is forced to live a life in constant fear of discovery and exposure.

The episode is directed by Peter H. Hunt and features a talented cast of actors including Ken Howard, Lony Venegas, and David Selby. It explores the themes of miscegenation, passing, and the complex social relations between slaves and their masters.

As the story progresses, the town is rocked by a murder mystery and suspicion falls on Roxy's son. In order to save him, Roxy must confront her own past and venture into dangerous and unfamiliar territory.

Pudd'nhead Wilson is a nuanced exploration of the complex social dynamics of race in America's history. The episode is beautifully shot and directed, immersing the viewer in the deep south of the 1840s. It is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

The central performances by Ken Howard and Lony Venegas are standouts and help to anchor the narrative. They imbue their characters with a depth of emotion and empathy that makes their struggles all the more real and poignant.

Overall, the third season episode of American Playhouse, Pudd'nhead Wilson, is a compelling and illuminating look into America's history and racial legacy. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race, identity, and power in the antebellum South.