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Review: 'People's Republic of Capitalism' on Discovery

Verne Gay | Off Camera

July 9, 2008

The People's Republic of Capitalism

Discovery, tonight through Saturday at 10.

Reason to watch Ted Koppel's most ambitious work for Discovery since leaving ABC in 2005, plus it's tinged with personal tragedy. ABC News and Discovery associate John Alexander collapsed and died while helping produce these fourhours, which are dedicated to him.

What it's about Koppel

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and his production crew, led by longtime colleague Tom Bettag, decamped to Chongqing in Sichuan Province for many months to learn how one of the world's fastest-growing cities in one of the world's fastest-growing economies has so quickly and dramatically ramped up. "Multifaceted" is the catchphrase here, as Koppel explores dozens of aspects of this megalopolis - perhaps the world's largest city with some 13 million residents, although authorities have begun massive public works to draw even more people from the countryside. With an interpreter as constant companion, Koppel steps in close to understand international trade's impact on the U.S. economy and on China's.

Bottom line "Nightline" ... I mean "Koppel on Discovery" hasn't produced something of such depth, substance and intelligence as this in its short history. The slip's also understandable, for this is what Koppel, Bettag and "Nightline" used to do, yet on a much smaller scale and in bite-size chunks. They start with a fundamental premise - everything, everyone and every act great and small in this glittering, sprawling, smoke-choked ganglion of a city is shaped by economic imperative. Koppel brings his trademark warmth and humor, but doesn't shirk the hard questions, either. A fascinating portrait made up of hundreds, thousands of brush strokes.

The lineup for "The People's Republic of Capitalism"

All episodes air at 10 p.m.on Discovery.

TONIGHT The economy

TOMORROW Religion, sexuality and political freedom

FRIDAY The burgeoning car industry and highway infrastructure

SATURDAY Corruption and human rights