Piece Comment

Review of The Legacy and Lessons of Lewis & Clark (an hour-long special)


Veteran Producer Jill Hoyt has created a memorable and thorough examination of the legacies of Lewis and Clark. In four different sections of this well-produced one-hour documentary, we hear about the effects the expedition had on Western expansion and the resulting conquest and exploitation of Native Americans. None of this is preachy or accusatory. In fact, there is a gentle strength to this production that brings together poignant and intriguing stories from scholars and historians. Especially poignant is the last section that asks the question, "What would Lewis and Clark have thought about the resulting actions of their famed expedition?" The answers are revealing and thought-provoking. This documentary is a welcome counterpoint to many Lewis and Clark celebration pieces and one that is highly recommended by this reviewer. Jill Hoyt is one of our best producers who has been doing national work out of Idaho for lo these many years. Her work in this documentary is exceptional.