Ep 7. Dark Circle

Dark Circle is the seventh episode of the second season of the critically acclaimed documentary series POV. The episode explores the devastating effects of nuclear power on the health and environment of communities surrounding nuclear plants in the United States.

Through interviews with activists, residents, journalists, and government officials, the episode tells the story of the three major nuclear accidents that occurred in the United States, including the meltdown at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the fire at the Browns Ferry plant in Alabama, and the explosion at the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine.

The episode begins by documenting the history of nuclear power in the United States, from its post-World War II boom to the introduction of commercial nuclear power plants in the 1960s. It shows how government and industry officials reassured the public that nuclear power was safe and that accidents were unlikely.

However, as the episode reveals, accidents did occur, and the effects were devastating. The episode includes footage and photos from the Three Mile Island meltdown, which released radioactive gases into the air and contaminated the surrounding area. It also includes interviews with residents who were forced to evacuate their homes and who suffered health problems as a result of the accident.

The episode also explores the Browns Ferry plant fire, which occurred in 1975 and was caused by a worker using a candle to check for air leaks. The fire spread quickly and led to a 17-hour shutdown of the plant. Although no radiation was released, the incident highlighted the dangers of nuclear power and the potential for human error.

Finally, the episode tells the story of the Chernobyl explosion in 1986, which is considered the worst nuclear accident in history. The episode includes footage and photos from the explosion and its aftermath, as well as interviews with residents who were forced to flee their homes and who suffer from health problems to this day.

Throughout the episode, activists and journalists argue that the nuclear industry and government officials have downplayed the risks of nuclear power and ignored the concerns of residents living near nuclear plants. They also argue that the government has failed to adequately regulate the industry and protect the public from the dangers of nuclear power.

The episode ends with a call to action for viewers to demand greater transparency and accountability from the nuclear industry and government officials, as well as to push for greater investment in renewable energy sources as a safer and more sustainable alternative to nuclear power.

Overall, Dark Circle is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the risks and consequences of nuclear power. Its use of archival footage, photos, and interviews creates a compelling and nuanced portrait of the human cost of nuclear accidents, and its call to action is a reminder of the importance of holding those in power accountable for the safety and well-being of their constituents.