Tricky Dick

Tricky Dick is a compelling four-part CNN original series from 2019 that explores the life and political career of Richard Nixon, the thirty-seventh President of the United States. The series is an immersive journey into the complex narrative of Nixon's political trajectory, his infamous Watergate scandal and resignation, and his complex legacy that continues to spark intellectual discussions.

The title, "Tricky Dick," is a popular nickname used by critics during Nixon's time in public office. It tries to encapsulate the public perception of Nixon as a manipulative politician who did not always play by the rules. The show adopts the nickname and utilizes it as a lens to explore Nixon's complex persona, playing on both the idea of Nixon as a cunning political operator but also a president whose actions led to one of the biggest crises in American democracy.

Tricky Dick uses an insightful mix of previously unseen footage, forthright narration, exclusive interviews, and historical accounts to provide an in-depth and balanced assessment of Nixon's life and career. It offers viewers an extraordinary up-close look at a man who ascended to the pinnacle of American politics, only to fall from grace in the most dramatic of ways.

Each of the four episodes in the series focuses on different periods and aspects of Nixon's life and career. The first episode looks at Nixon's early life and political rise, the second focuses on his presidency and his triumphant first term, the third assesses the Watergate scandal and the cover-up that shook the nation, and the final episode details Nixon's resignation from office and life post-presidency.

Despite being a historical documentary series, Tricky Dick is uniquely modern in employing narrative storytelling techniques that are engaging and accessible to all audiences, whether they lived through the Nixon years or are discovering them for the first time. Its vibrant storytelling style does not shy away from controversy or complexity. Rather, the series embraces them fully, striving to create a fuller, more comprehensive picture of a man who continues to fascinate and perplex decades after his death.

By delving into the facets of Nixon's public and private lives, Tricky Dick examines recurring themes of power, politics, and the lengths individuals are willing to go in pursuit of their ambitions. The series asks critical questions about leadership, resilience, hubris, and accountability, prompting viewers to consider how Nixon's presidency and its eventual downfall impacted American society and the world at large.

Nixon's speeches and interviews, presented alongside historical footage, reveal a man who was deeply ambitious but also deeply flawed. The visual exposition of his personal and family life, lets viewers see not just the president, but the man behind the presidency. Throughout the series, this multifaceted depiction keeps the viewers fascinated and invested in Nixon's story.

What makes Tricky Dick particularly interesting is the way it situates Nixon within a broader socio-political context. It explores how Nixon capitalized on, and was simultaneously also molded by, the prevailing political climate and popular culture. By doing so, the series offers insights into not just one man, but also the era he lived in - an era that was tempestuous and transformative.

Tricky Dick is not just an exploration of Richard Nixon as a historical figure. It is also a meditation on the nature of power and the implications of political ambition. Through valuable historical material, new interviews, and expert commentary, Tricky Dick stimulates thoughtful examination of Nixon's enduring impact on American politics and society.

The series is a must-watch for not just history enthusiasts but those looking to understand the currents of American political landscape. It is a well-crafted, definitive account of Nixon's journey - his rise, fall, and legacy, and the indelible mark he left on the American presidency and the country. Engaging, insightful, and meticulously researched, Tricky Dick redefines the conventional political biography by offering a nuanced, multi-dimensional depiction of one of America's most controversial presidents.