Anyone watched the Louis Theroux documentary

Have you read the whole article?

Just checking as PP said she's only quoted part of it

I couldn't read it cos you had to subscribe

Just because it was only released on iPlayer a few days ago doesn't necessarily mean the author didn't watch it.

Sometimes they're given it in advance to watch so they can write a review

The article was written on the 14th February 2025, so I would assume that the author did not watch the documentary. The BBC only released it a few days ago.

The article looks like a preemptive attempt to frame the narrative bu painting Louis Theroux as biased.

It’s laughable to me that you would imagine the journalist who wrote the article didn’t even watch the documentary. Sorry I just can’t take that suggestion seriously.

At the time of writing I couldn’t think of any other infamous leader from history with the same terrifying expression and sudden movements. She’s unnerving to watch particularly at the end when she shoves Louis very hard so he nearly falls backwards. At this point he calls her a sociopath and declines her invitation for him to shove her in return.

I still can’t think of another historical figure she reminded me of as I watched her. I fully appreciate that the mention of that man in this context may seem inappropriate, hence my use of “ironically”. On reflection I should have added “inappropriately”, too, and if there’s a stronger synonym of “ironically”, I would definitely have used that as well.

I see your point @quantumbutterfly but there was no aim to offend anyone. It was a comment designed to convey how frightening she is to observe with her unwavering, uncompromising conviction of the right of settlers to occupy land against international law.

So did the person who wrote this actually watch the programme?

They don’t mention the actual documentary once?

The message seems to be that they object in principle to its existence without engaging critically with any of the content.

Why does Louis Theroux keep picking on Israeli settlers?

When is Louis Theroux going to make a documentary where he embeds himself with Hamas in Gaza? Or Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, or Qalqilya? Probably never, because he’d most likely come to a sticky end.

I, for one, would be enthralled by Theroux’s signature brand of sneering, awkwardly bemused questioning if he were to go and live with members of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades. Picture it: over breakfast in a darkened Gaza safe house, he nods along as his interviewee explains how their “martyrs” are sent to murder Jews in their homes, all while playing up his trademark discomfort for the cameras.

He could ask about their proud history of abducting civilians, their systemic use of rape and torture, or their policy of executing political rivals and suspected homosexuals. But, of course, that documentary will never be made.

Or how about one where Theroux embeds himself with the Iranian regime’s hardline Shia clerics? He likes to gently mock unusual religious beliefs, so the Twelver Shia rulers of Iran would be perfect: they believe they are governing under the direct mandate of God until the return of the Hidden Imam, who has been in occultation since 874 CE and will reappear when the world is filled with tyranny and oppression.

Just picture Louis’ eyebrow raising sarcastically as they explain how all of that will be preceded by major signs, including widespread corruption, the rise of a great deceiver (Dajjal), internal chaos in the Muslim world, and an apocalyptic war!

In the meantime, he could go out on trips with them as they arrest women for the crime of wearing a hijab improperly, imprison and torture dual nationals who visit their families, and abduct foreign citizens for ransom. Yet another group of religious fanatics Theroux could study up close and personal.

No? Then perhaps he could take a trip to Yemen to meet the Houthis, Iran’s favourite proxy army. Sipping black coffee and dressed in a Ma’awaz and Thobe, he could casually observe as they chant their catchy slogan of “Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews.” Then he could drive them round in his famous Fiat 500 as they kidnap and torture people, from UN workers and women to human rights activists. Or join them as they recruit even more child soldiers, many of whom will die on the battlefield, and launch missiles at Israel to kill innocent people. Now that would be an interesting documentary. But maybe they’re just not kooky enough for the Louis Theroux/ BBC treatment.

Of course Theroux won’t make a film about any of those things. His attempt in 2016 to make a show even about British Muslims who were sympathetic to Isis “fizzled out”. I wonder why.

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-does-louis-theroux-keep-picking-on-israeli-settlers/

'ironically' that doesn't make any difference.

I'm not a huge fan of his usually. He comes from a very talented family though and this caught my eye.
Sandstorms by Peter Theroux
Days and Nights in Arabia

"Sandstorms" is a compelling narrative that explores the intricate cultural and political landscapes of the Middle East. Through a series of interconnected stories and personal journeys, the book delves into the lives of individuals caught in the region's tumultuous sandstorms of change and conflict. The author offers a vivid portrayal of the Middle East's diverse societies, examining the impact of historical legacies and modern challenges on the people who navigate the shifting sands of identity, loyalty, and survival. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the region's complexities, the narrative provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the heart of a world often

He attended a meeting as well as a jamboree at which the leaders of (illegal under international law) settler communities as well as a current member of the Israeli government (also a settler) spoke about removing Palestinians from Gaza and taking it for themselves (which would of course be ethnic cleansing). He showed the maps of Gaza they were looking at with red triangles indicating the parts they want to take.

He then showed a group with two rabbis standing close to the Gaza border; one of the rabbis made a pronouncement justifying plans to claim Gaza using dehumanising language to refer to the Palestinians. It was shocking to watch: a rabbi??

Louis didn’t interview these people - he observed and documented them speaking. He said nothing on these occasions although his deadly serious facial expressions gave us some indication of his thoughts.

@HaveYouActuallyDoneAnyWashingThisWeekMum and I didn’t even mention the article first. Someone else did which made me take a look at it. They were using it as evidence that Louis T is anti semitic which the article does not imply. He was just doing what he always does in his documentaries and I’m a fan of his who thought the documentary was overall very good.

@Twiglets1 have you watched the documentary?

I’m not at all agitated but agree this is a fair point. I apologise @Twiglets1

That’s why I used the word “ironically”.

It was very informative whilst being extremely upsetting to watch.

All the settlers featured came across as unhinged and entirely lacking any humanity or the ability to consider any other reading of history outside what they’d read in the Bible. Danielle Weiss seemed sociopathic, as Louis suggested. Her facial expressions and mannerisms were frightening at times and ironically reminded me of old film footage of Hitler addressing the crowds.

The scene towards the start with settlers visiting a purpose built viewing platform that looks across to Gaza clearly under bombardment with clouds of black smoke, the parents pointing it out to their children, was extremely disturbing. It was only one step removed from crowds gathered to watch a public execution.

Excellent documentary, Louis. Thank you.

Why does Louis Theroux keep picking on Israeli settlers?

When is Louis Theroux going to make a documentary where he embeds himself with Hamas in Gaza? Or Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, or Qalqilya? Probably never, because he’d most likely come to a sticky end.

I, for one, would be enthralled by Theroux’s signature brand of sneering, awkwardly bemused questioning if he were to go and live with members of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades. Picture it: over breakfast in a darkened Gaza safe house, he nods along as his interviewee explains how their “martyrs” are sent to murder Jews in their homes, all while playing up his trademark discomfort for the cameras.

He could ask about their proud history of abducting civilians, their systemic use of rape and torture, or their policy of executing political rivals and suspected homosexuals. But, of course, that documentary will never be made.

Or how about one where Theroux embeds himself with the Iranian regime’s hardline Shia clerics? He likes to gently mock unusual religious beliefs, so the Twelver Shia rulers of Iran would be perfect: they believe they are governing under the direct mandate of God until the return of the Hidden Imam, who has been in occultation since 874 CE and will reappear when the world is filled with tyranny and oppression.

Just picture Louis’ eyebrow raising sarcastically as they explain how all of that will be preceded by major signs, including widespread corruption, the rise of a great deceiver (Dajjal), internal chaos in the Muslim world, and an apocalyptic war!

In the meantime, he could go out on trips with them as they arrest women for the crime of wearing a hijab improperly, imprison and torture dual nationals who visit their families, and abduct foreign citizens for ransom. Yet another group of religious fanatics Theroux could study up close and personal.

No? Then perhaps he could take a trip to Yemen to meet the Houthis, Iran’s favourite proxy army. Sipping black coffee and dressed in a Ma’awaz and Thobe, he could casually observe as they chant their catchy slogan of “Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the Jews.” Then he could drive them round in his famous Fiat 500 as they kidnap and torture people, from UN workers and women to human rights activists. Or join them as they recruit even more child soldiers, many of whom will die on the battlefield, and launch missiles at Israel to kill innocent people. Now that would be an interesting documentary. But maybe they’re just not kooky enough for the Louis Theroux/ BBC treatment.

Of course Theroux won’t make a film about any of those things. His attempt in 2016 to make a show even about British Muslims who were sympathetic to Isis “fizzled out”. I wonder why.

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-does-louis-theroux-keep-picking-on-israeli-settlers/