Miami Mega Jail is the latest addition to Louis Theroux’s already sprawling catalogue of documentaries covering an assortment of weird and wonderful topics. The show sees Louis’ astonishingly successful interview tactics of quiet friendliness coupled with gently probing questions deployed to great effect, allowing viewers a real insight into the harsh realities of the US legal system and the mindset of some of the inmates.
With Louis getting on a bit (41 years old), and my passion for his informative upfront programming re-ignited by Mega Jail, the time seemed perfect to look back on cherished memories and pay homage to some of his finest moments. From his time spent with political heartthrob Ann Widdecombe to the similarly grotesque world of bodybuilders and white supremacists in South Africa.
Louis and the Brothel, a personal favourite of mine, takes viewers to Nevada, the last state in America that retains legal prostitution. Louis’ trip sees him spend two weeks at the wild horse brothel during its $4 million transformation from run of the mill brothel to full-on “Adult Resort”. During his stay viewers watch as Louis forms a genuine friendship with prostitute and serial flasher Hayley. Viewers also are privy to her constant attempts to get Louis into bed (admittedly one he would be paying for). A sensual massage is the closest she gets.
Still in America, Louis and the Nazis and Black Nationalism both give brilliant insights into the most extreme fringes of US society, demonstrating Louis’ fantastic ability to create real bonds with some unsavoury characters. Louis’ encounter with the Nazis introduces viewers to ex-KKK leader Tom Metzger and perhaps more disturbingly the 11 year old holocaust denying, white supremacist musical twins who go by the name of Lamb & Lynx. In one interview the twins excitedly described their favourite computer game Ethnic Cleansing, whilst recounting their warped view of global politics and ethnic divisions, drilled into them by their equally brainwashed extremist mother.
In order to look more closely at the issue of Black Nationalism, Louis visited Harlem, attending a rally on Wall Street with leading black nationalist Al Sharpton. But perhaps the highlight of this particular expedition was Louis’ meeting with the bizarre Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge, which claim every important world figure was black, including Shakespeare and the British monarchy!
There really is a Louis Theroux moment for everyone, I’ve barely been able to scratch the surface of his brilliant career. So if you find yourself with some free time on your hands and an insatiable thirst for knowledge of the weird and wonderful, be it the process of acquiring a Thai bride, the secrets behind becoming a top wrestler, protecting yourself from the volatile ‘new world order’, or simply wanting to brush up on your swingers party hosting tecnique, look no further than Louis, he’ll be sure to quench your thirst and provide a damn good time doing so!
Surely the most disgusting one is the most hated family in america?!