Ep 8. Sins of the Father

As a journalist, Lisa Ling is no stranger to sensitive subject matters, and her show "This is Life with Lisa Ling" delves deep into the underbelly of American society. In season 3, episode 8, titled "Sins of the Father," Ling explores the consequences of being raised by a parent with a history of criminal activity.

The episode opens with Ling meeting a man named David who, as a young child, witnessed his father commit a violent crime and subsequently spent time in jail. David grew up with the knowledge that his father was a convicted criminal, but he still looked up to him and saw him as a hero. This episode follows David as he grapples with the reality of who his father truly was and tries to come to terms with the impact his father's actions had on his life.

Ling also speaks with other individuals who were raised by parents with criminal pasts and how it affected their lives. One woman shares her experience growing up with a mother who was involved in a Ponzi scheme. She talks about being left with nothing when her mother was eventually caught and jailed. Another man talks about his father's drug addiction and how it led to them often being evicted from various homes as a child.

Throughout the episode, Ling explores the intricacies of the relationship between parent and child and how it can be complicated by a parent's criminal past. She also delves into the moral dilemma of whether or not children should be judged based on the actions of their parents.

Ling speaks with legal experts who explain how parents' criminal actions can affect their children's future, even if the children had no involvement in the crimes themselves. For instance, if a parent has a felony conviction, their child can be barred from living in certain areas or even from being eligible for certain jobs.

The episode presents a difficult conversation and leaves viewers with a lot to ponder. It is a stark reminder that the actions of adults can impact the lives of their children in ways they may not even realize, and that the consequences of those actions can be far-reaching and long-lasting.

Overall, "Sins of the Father" is a thought-provoking episode that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the complicated relationship between parent and child. Ling seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes with legal insight and expert commentary, resulting in an episode that is both informative and emotionally impactful.