DEADLOCK

News and Public Affairs Series / 2 Seasons

The newest episode of BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play sparks civil dialogue in polarized times. Guided by UC Davis Law Professor Aaron Tang, a diverse panel explores ethical dilemmas in a fictional tale of executive power—told through two fictional U.S. Presidents from opposing parties. Complex, timely, and thought-provoking.

Watch: S2024 E1

55m 50s / TV-PG

The Pardon Dilemma

2m 41s / TV-PG

A car crash leaves “Senator” Goldman injured. The driver is convicted—but some demand a pardon. The “president” weighs political and moral stakes as advisors debate justice, legacy, and the limits of executive power. Is the pardon power a shield against injustice—or a political weapon? Decide for yourself as you watch this hypothetical scene play out from BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A Power Play.

Power to the People: Reclaiming Democracy

4m 40s / TV-PG

As rival "presidents" push executive power to new limits, a call emerges for accountability, courage, and constitutional grounding. The real challenge? A weakened Congress, performative politics, and voters who must demand better. With the nation’s 250th anniversary ahead, the question remains: can we still come together to form a more perfect union? BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play.

Power and Loyalty in the Balance

4m 11s / TV-PG

From BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play, a hypothetical scene unfolds. A potential campaign finance violation sparks tension between the "president" and the "U.S. Attorney General." Questions arise about political motivations, legal thresholds, and the limits of executive power. As roles shift and decisions are made, the balance between justice and loyalty is put to the test.

Chris Christie: Oath Over Orders

3m 14s / TV-PG

In the hypothetical situation presented in this clip from BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A Power Play, “Senator” Chris Christie questions the "president’s" authority to defund the “Green Business Bureau” via executive order. Urged to show unity, Christie stands firm on his oath to the Constitution and vows to speak for Middlevania—even if it means holding his own press conference.

Supreme Showdown: Courts vs. the Presidency

3m 5s / TV-PG

"Chief Justice" Duncan warns of threats to judicial integrity as a judge clashes with the "president" over defunding the "Green Business Bureau". "Attorney General" Goldman pushes back, Severino resists, and a former clerk-turned-podcaster calls it unconstitutional. Watch this simulated scenario from BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play and decide for yourself.

BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play – Open

1m 9s

Watch a preview for BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play sparks civil dialogue in polarized times. Guided by UC Davis Law Professor Aaron Tang, a diverse panel explores ethical dilemmas in a fictional tale of executive power—told through two fictional U.S. Presidents from opposing parties. Complex, timely, and thought-provoking.

BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play – Preview

33s

Watch a preview for BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play sparks civil dialogue in polarized times. Guided by UC Davis Law Professor Aaron Tang, a diverse panel explores ethical dilemmas in a fictional tale of executive power—told through two fictional U.S. Presidents from opposing parties. Complex, timely, and thought-provoking.

The Trailer

1m 14s

This election dilemma unfolds in DEADLOCK: an election story, where UC Davis School of Law professor Aaron Tang guides a panel of influential figures from legal, political, media and cultural spheres through complex ethical dilemmas based on a real-life scenario. The special encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

Preview - Why DEADLOCK?

31s

STREAM ON PBS STARTING ON 9/20 at 9/8C. Join Aaron Tang of UC Davis School of Law as he guides a panel of thought leaders through complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios. The special encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

How to Save a Democracy

3m 54s

A panel of experts discusses what we—politicians, journalists, and citizens—can and should do differently as we approach the upcoming elections. ‘DEADLOCK: An Election Story’ encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

When Disinformation Meets Social Media

4m 8s

What happens when a video with enhanced audio surfaces and rapidly gains views on social media? What should the incumbent president do, and how should the social media platform respond? This particular video may be hypothetical, but the issues surrounding it are very real. ‘DEADLOCK: An Election Story’ encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

Navigating Election Day: Poll Watchers and Poll Workers

3m 10s

What is the difference between a poll watcher and a poll worker? Two high-ranking officials in Middlevania’s elections help describe the difference. Middlevania and poll watcher Uncle Bill may be hypothetical, but the issues surrounding it are not. ‘DEADLOCK: an election story’ encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

Politics vs. The Law

2m 16s

It’s nearing closing time at the polls, when violence threatens to erupt. What are the implications for a free and fair election if an armed mob shows up at a polling place? This election day disturbance may be hypothetical, but the issues surrounding it are real. ‘DEADLOCK: An Election Story’ encourages civil dialogue and critical thinking in an era dominated by polarizing debates.

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