Ep 2. Salem's Lot

Finding Your Roots is a documentary television series that airs on PBS. In each episode, host Henry Louis Gates Jr. traces the ancestral roots of various celebrities, exploring their family histories to uncover stories of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and tragedy. Episode two of the show's ninth season is titled Salem's Lot and features three famous Americans who have all been haunted by the specter of their family histories.

The first celebrity guest we meet is journalist Lisa Ling. Ling has always been fascinated by her family's journey from rural China to the United States, but has little information about her ancestors beyond her great-grandfather. Gates takes her on a journey across the Pacific to uncover the secrets of her family's past, delving into the little-known history of Chinese immigration to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along the way, she learns about the obstacles her ancestors faced as they tried to build new lives in a foreign land, including racism, poverty, and discrimination.

Next, Gates turns his attention to actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key. Key, best known for his work on the sketch comedy show Key & Peele, is a descendent of enslaved people on both sides of his family. With the help of genealogist Nicka Smith, Gates traces Key's ancestry back to Virginia in the 18th century, where his ancestors were forced to work on plantations and endure unspeakable cruelty. The episode explores the resilience and determination of these enslaved people, who fought for their freedom and passed down their values of community, faith, and perseverance to their descendants.

The final guest on Salem's Lot is actor Jeff Goldblum. Goldblum, whose family has been in the United States for several generations, has always been curious about his ancestors' origins. With the help of genealogist Mary Tedesco, Gates traces Goldblum's roots back to Eastern Europe, where his great-grandparents fled anti-Semitic violence and persecution in the early 20th century. Along the way, Goldblum learns about the vibrant culture and traditions of the Ashkenazi Jewish community, as well as the struggles and hardships they faced as they tried to build new lives in America.

Throughout the episode, Gates weaves together the stories of these three celebrities, showcasing the similarities and differences in their family histories. Viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of American history, exploring the various waves of immigration and the hardships and triumphs of those who came to this country seeking a better life. The episode also touches on themes of identity, belonging, and the power of family connections to shape our lives.

Overall, Salem's Lot is a moving and thought-provoking hour of television that balances personal storytelling with broader historical context. As always, Gates serves as a knowledgeable and engaging guide, weaving together complex narratives with humor, sensitivity, and warmth. Whether you're a genealogy enthusiast or simply a fan of great storytelling, Finding Your Roots season 9 episode 2 is a must-see.