Louis is back.
Given the fact that he has been a journalist for over 25 years, Louis Theroux can easily boast about having a remarkable body of work but we reckon he’s too humble to do so.
To many people, the documentarian first appeared on their radar with his Weird Weekends series in 1998 and since then, Theroux has established himself as one of the most interesting, relevant and beloved journalists in Britain.
In Dark States, the gifted broadcaster returned to the BBC for the first part of his trilogy series that sees him visiting three American cities. While there, he’ll examine the devastating issues that dominate each area.
Last night’s episode focused on opiate and heroin addiction in West Virginia.
During the most recent episode, Theroux examined the impact that the Class A drug continues to have in the city. In doing so, he met with people that have been long-term heroin users. He also met with their families to see the impact that drug addiction is having on their domestic lives.
Yet again, Theroux told the stories of Katillia, Nate and the newborn baby, Archer, with empathy, respect, and genuine decency.
Of course, these stories are incredibly difficult and heartbreaking to watch, but there’s a level of tact, skill, and warmth with regards to how Theroux tells them.
We’re already looking forward to next week’s episode and it’s clear that we’re not the only ones. In fact, given the fact that he’s back on TV, some people have been calling for Theroux to be knighted.
We don’t disagree.
Here’s how people reacted to Louis’ latest work along with the stories of Katillia, Nate and Archer.
https://twitter.com/Bridgey1990/status/917129544968130560
https://twitter.com/ByMatthewCarter/status/917120672291348480
Louis Theroux is a gift to human interest investigative journalism: incisive, yet full of warm humanity. #LouisTheroux #DarkStates
— Graham Peacock (@revgpp) October 8, 2017
Bloody hard watch this. Louis Theroux is nailing it again. Allowing this sad story to be told without pressure or bias. #DarkStates
— Ian Weymouth (@burtmacklin25) October 8, 2017
Louis Theroux is just a brilliant journalist. Inquisitive without being judgemental. #DarkStates
— Lauren Joy Miller (@laurenjoymills) October 8, 2017
#darkstates “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”
— Jav (@Jlarlat1) October 8, 2017
Katillia’s struggle with addiction and an allegedly abusive boyfriend moved plenty of people.
Katillia’s story touched me and saddened me. Nobody should be beaten, full stop. Hope she seeks help. 🙏 #DarkStates pic.twitter.com/3R6LqcQhnZ
— Frankie (@frankiefermi) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/bhampsychliam/status/917341437662056448
While Katillia admitted that she desperately wanted to get clean but couldn’t find the strength to do so, Nate appeared to the opposite because he enjoyed his life as a heroin user and dealer.
This being said, Theroux did finally appear to ‘get through’ to him.
How sad that Nate would rather live as a drug addict than in pain and it wasn’t even his fault #LouisTheroux #DarkStates
— Tequilashot (@JayeWestell) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/darrenxxcarlson/status/917131936870608896
‘Do you think you fucked up?’ ‘Yes’ think Louis just burst Nate’s bubble #darkstates
— Kev 🇺🇦 (@iPocrit) October 8, 2017
Regarding the newborn Archer, you would have to be made of stone not to be moved.
https://twitter.com/PositivlyLove/status/917133206977236992
I'm unable to pinpoint my emotions relating to Archer being born with a habit #DarkStates
— KRog (@KayKayKat) October 8, 2017
We’ve already made our plans for next week’s episode.
Thanks for watching that, if you watched it, and thanks for your messages. Come back next week for sex trafficking in Houston. #DarkStates
— Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) October 8, 2017
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