Ep 4. Knocking on Armageddon's Door

In POV season 1 episode 4 titled "Knocking on Armageddon's Door," viewers are taken on a journey with William Robinson, a former minister turned "nuclear philosopher" who has dedicated his life to preventing a nuclear catastrophe. The episode is set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, as Robinson travels the world to spread his message of peace and disarmament.

The episode begins with Robinson recounting his experience of living through the Cuban Missile Crisis, the closest the world ever came to nuclear war, and how it transformed his life. He describes how, as a minister in a small town in the Midwest, he was suddenly thrust onto the national stage when he received a call from a reporter asking for his perspective on the crisis. From that moment on, Robinson became a leading voice in the anti-nuclear movement, using his pulpit to preach against the dangers of nuclear weapons.

The episode then follows Robinson as he travels to various countries, including Japan and the Soviet Union, to meet with leaders and activists who are working towards disarmament. In Japan, he meets with survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who share their harrowing stories of loss and suffering. Robinson is deeply moved by their experiences and vows to continue his work to prevent future generations from experiencing the same horrors.

In the Soviet Union, Robinson meets with activists who are working to promote disarmament and human rights in the face of government opposition. He speaks at public meetings and meets with dissidents, some of whom are later arrested and imprisoned for their beliefs. Robinson realizes that he is putting himself in danger by speaking out against the Soviet government, but he is undeterred. He believes that the cause of peace and disarmament is worth any personal sacrifice.

Throughout the episode, Robinson is portrayed as a passionate and committed advocate for peace, who is willing to take risks and speak truth to power. He is also shown to be a complex figure, struggling with personal demons and doubts about his own effectiveness. At one point in the episode, he admits that he sometimes feels "like a voice crying in the wilderness," wondering if his message is being heard and if he is making a difference.

Despite his doubts, Robinson remains undeterred in his mission to prevent a nuclear catastrophe. He speaks to audiences around the world, participates in peace marches and protests, and even meets with government officials to advocate for disarmament. He believes that the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, and that it is up to all of us to work together to prevent a nuclear Armageddon.

Overall, "Knocking on Armageddon's Door" is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful episode, which raises important questions about the nature of war, peace, and human survival. It is a fitting tribute to the legacy of William Robinson, who spent his life working to prevent a nuclear apocalypse and promote a more peaceful world.