Ep 1. Louis and the Brothel

In the first episode of the critically acclaimed documentary series 'Louis Theroux', titled 'Louis and the Brothel', the narrator Louis Theroux takes us on a fascinating and thought-provoking journey into the world of prostitution.

The episode follows Louis as he travels to a legal brothel in Nevada, United States, where he spends time with the ladies who work there, the owner, and some of the clients. Theroux meets with the women who work as prostitutes and uncovers their personal stories, what brought them into the industry, and how they feel about their work. He talks candidly with them about their motivations, their family life, and their relationships, and they share their experiences openly and with trust.

Theroux also speaks with the clients of the brothel, from military men and truck drivers to men seeking a little variation from their marriages, and delves into their reasons for using a legal brothel, their expectations and experiences, and their feelings about the ethics of prostitution.

The episode is both fascinating and disturbing, as viewers are given a glimpse into a world most of us would never see or experience. Theroux's approach is sensitive and objective, without any hint of judgment. Through his interviews and conversations, he highlights the complexities of the sex industry, the issues surrounding its legality, and how society views it. He explores the role of prostitution in society, the way sex work is viewed and discussed, and how it impacts the individuals involved.

The documentary is highly engaging, with moments of humour and sadness throughout. There are moments of awkwardness, particularly when Theroux meets the owner of the brothel and realises that her approach to running the business is quite different from what he imagined. However, this does not detract from the overall quality of the documentary, and if anything, adds a layer of authenticity to the episode.

Overall, 'Louis and the Brothel' is a fascinating documentary that delves deep into the world of prostitution in a thoughtful, sensitive and objective way. Theroux's approach is honest, and viewers are invited to form their own opinions on the topic after viewing the documentary. It is a fascinating look at a topic that is often overlooked, and it sets the tone for the rest of the series, which goes on to explore other taboo subjects and controversial issues in a similar format.