America Revealed

A vast country like the United States is kept humming by a countless number of intricate systems and networks. Yul Kwon, a modern Renaissance man (and Survivor reality TV show winner) hosts this PBS series covering our food system (from farm field to table), electrical power grid, transportation network, and—finally—what's right and wrong with today's manufacturers. In the first episode, “Food Machine,” viewers are reminded that American consumers are used to having their favorite foods when and where they want at an attractively low price, which has resulted in a dramatic shift to large scale industrial farming. Farmers have learned to combine technology with innovation, employing agricultural crop dusting pilots, huge combine harvesters, and even professional bee wranglers to pollinate plants. On the other hand, health conscious diners support small, sustainable organic food markets in small towns and even cities like Detroit. The second episode, “Nation on the Move,” turns to our transportation system, detailing the mind-boggling number of airplanes, buses, boats, subways, and rail lines that help keep America the most mobile country on the planet. The interstate highways carrying Americans (who collectively drive 3 trillion miles per year) are aging, and we are nearing a crossroads where we will have to spend a lot of tax money to make improvements, or be willing to change our habits. The third segment, “Electric Nation,” examines how we harness, use, and waste electrical energy, while also looking at alternative methods, ranging from the controversial “fracking” (to mine natural gas from below the earth's surface) to small scale "cow power,” which produces methane from manure. Lastly, “Made in the U.S.A.,” debunks the myth that American manufacturing is dead, noting that new businesses employ recycling and leaner cost-conscious procedures, while also arguing that America is now leading with ideas rather than just raw products. Although occasionally too optimistic, this is a fine integrative overview marked by outstanding organization, wide-ranging and insightful interviews, and excellent cinematography. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)