PBS’s POV returns with a sobering look at the fight against gun violence in Baltimore, seen through the lens of Mayor Brandon Scott’s first year in office. “The Body Politic,” airing Monday, November 25, isn’t your typical political puff piece. Instead, it offers a ground-level view of Scott’s ambitious – some might say audacious – attempt to break the cycle of violence plaguing his city.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the considerable obstacles facing the young mayor. He’s up against entrenched political opposition, a skeptical public, and the grim reality of a city grappling with deeply rooted problems. Scott’s violence reduction plan isn’t just a policy document; it’s a test of his leadership and a reflection of the national struggle with gun violence.
POV smartly frames Baltimore as a microcosm of America’s broader issues. While the city’s specific challenges are unique, the underlying themes of community distrust, political gridlock, and the search for effective solutions resonate far beyond Baltimore’s borders. The film suggests that if a city like Baltimore can find a path forward, perhaps there’s hope for the nation as a whole. Don’t expect easy answers, though. “The Body Politic” doesn’t offer a simple prescription for healing, but it does provide a compelling starting point for a much-needed conversation.
The 90-minute documentary airs Monday, November 25 at 10:00 PM on PBS.
