Der unsichtbare Pilot

My sorrow is for the kids, the parents were selfish and opportunistic. I find it absolutely amazed the parents feel so sorry for themselves. The mother could've left while the kids were young and given them a better life but she still was selfish as her no good ex-husband. I have no feeling towards the parents only their children.

One episode down and I'm hooked! Super crazy story that's even crazier because it's TRUE! If you like shows that blow your mind with lots of unexpected twist, then you need to watch TIP. I like how the show is edited, because It keeps you engaged. There wasn't one dull moment! Pleeeease HBO, are you really going to make us wait a whole week for the 2nd episode??? I can't wait!

Otherwise it will seem like a complete waste of time. Note to timeline: everybody in the south during the 70s had a story like this. My cousin disappeared in the gulf and the rumor was, for years, he was killed because he was working for the cia. The truth was more likely he went on a fishing trip, got drunk and fell off the boat. See, it only took a few secs to sum up his life, not 3 hrs. Honestly, I only made it thru half of the first episode before throwing in. First, the worst doc I've ever watched with the exception of the 'search for big foot in east la'. Just a whole lot of nothing and when they turned the camera on the childhood friend/so-called film maker that was it for me.

Second, the quick edits of a whole lot of artsy dramatic effects like a bad acid trip gave me a headache. But hey, what do I know, I don't like manga either. Third, as I said, it was a flashback to the 70s. And all the rumors swirling around; sometimes about family, sometimes about other people long forgotten. Personally, I think the heat and humidity of arkansas summers causes the brain to jellify. But hey, for those who are drinking the koolaid here, go watch clash of the ozarks, another hillbilly exploitation produced on gopro with mashups from the web.

Only one episode in and I'm ready for another one. I'm not familiar with this story but have family near Hazen, AR. Very familiar with the scenery and have an Uncle who is a crop duster in that county.

Positives: this is a fascinating story with a twist that makes you want the next episode to be available. It's interesting and they don't try to hide the trauma and mental struggles of the family members.

Negatives The editing of the footage could have been a higher production value. At one point, they display Hazen, Arkansas in a title, then a shot of the Hazen square. Then it pans to a shot if the Dickson Street Bookstore in Fayetteville, Arkansas which is over 3 hours from Hazen. I know that most people watching will just see a bookstore shot that they think is in Hazen. But having been to both places many times, those two towns are so different from each other, from people to politics.

Overall, very satisfying to watch and I look forward to the next episode. It's always fun to watch a good documentary with familiar scenery, from the Des Arc bridge to Pulaski Heights Middle School in Little Rock.

I won't spoil the details here if you haven't heard about this story before, just a couple of benign broad strokes.

Selfish and grandiose man justifies smuggling drugs, names players in government scandal, shows again how dirty our government is all the way to the top regardless of party affiliation by being involved in organized crime for money and self advancement...shocker. Oh and did I mention he abandoned his family in many nefarious ways? Ha. So, unless you're really young or had lived under a rock...we've seen it and heard this story for a lifetime, those before me, mine and yours.

To the pilot, wherever you are, you broke the law. You deserved jail time and to have to look at how your poor children suffered because of your abrupt and total abandonment. The mother of two is not innocent and no one in this was remorseful. I think they were confused about the MeToo movement...I'll clear it up...it doesn't mean, they got off scot free, so pardon me too.

For those who don't know a lot about the drug trades or the Iran-Contra political and humanitarian crimes, it helps fill in some interesting gaps which are referenced in many movies, documentaries, books, magazines and news reels.