Vice Season 6 Episode 2 recap: battle for Jerusalem and a face in the crowd
By Grant Butler
On the latest episode of Vice, two issues of international importance are featured.
The first was the decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and how that impacted the Middle East Peace Process and the region generally.
The general impression one gets from the on the ground situation in the Middle East is that the decision to move the embassy exacerbates an already notoriously inflamed situation.
Related Story: Vice season 6, episode 1 recap
More from Show Snob
- The Santa Clauses season 2, episode 6 recap “Wanga Banga Langa!”
- Lawmen: Bass Reeves season 1, episode 7 preview: Non-spoiler thoughts for Part VII
- Goosebumps season 1, episode 6 recap: “Night of the Living Dummy”
- Beacon 23 season 1, episode 3 recap: “Why Can’t We Go on as Three?”
- Upload season 3, episode 2 recap: “Strawberry”
The decision is welcomed by the current Israeli government but is condemned by the Palestinians and their allies, spawning numerous protests in response. The long-term impact is difficult to imagine, but it is clear that it is the latest significant development regarding the Middle East Peace Process.
The other story for the episode was about the latest facial recognition technology used in China.
The technology is far more than just a cutting-edge security camera. The potential exists for them not only to identify what someone does but to actually identify them based strictly on recognition of their physical features when cross-referenced with existing personal information. While the implications alone are profound enough, it is all the more so when contrasted to the episode’s earlier story.
The China story was an interesting contrast to the U.S. Embassy story, which was full of protests, chaos, disorder, and some spontaneous violence. The glimpse into public security in the People’s Republic of China is the polar opposite of this, almost eerily so.
One on hand you have massive internal turmoil personified by large-scale protests. But at the same time, this massive security apparatus keeps order in one of the World’s most powerful countries.
Next: What 2018 bubble shows are in danger of being canceled
Both stories, however, share one thing; they both reveal a different sort of battle. One is an ancient conflict based on politics and religion, the other is a battle over technology and the future.