This episode of ____ reads _____ is part of a series done by Paper Tiger where philosophers, authors, and professors critique mass-media periodicals. The idea is to bring to light the ideologies and interests which drive the mass media despite their claims of objectivity. In this episode, Bookchin points out how Time is a great pacifying force, making one feel as if all the greatest issues and wars of the world are distant and dreamlike, completely detaching emotion from the situation. The video begins and ends with an examination of Time‘s business interests and revenue sources, and the connections of its executives, demystifying the reasoning behind it’s slanted coverage of the world.

Formally, it really achieves the “simple” “handmade” “DIY” aesthetic. DeeDee Halleck, producer, explains how this is their goal in her book Hand Held Visions. They want to make TV seem easy and fun, within the reach of all people. At the end of the credits, they actually show the (low) budget for the episode. The bulk of the episode consists of Bookchin sitting on a crudely painted subway set and explaining  Time. The camera will sometimes turn to show his fellow “passengers” who are also reading Time. In the middle of the episode is a punk music video which blasts consumerism rather than commercials. While the form is simple, it is fun. And the content is interesting, keeping the viewer around.