Plot summary for
The Second Civil War (1997) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

An interesting story about a future United States where immigration has gone too far. Through a series of mishaps and mayhem several state 'militias' assist Idaho in order to protect them from the LONG ARM of the Federal government. Written by Walt Adkins {walt@dtcc.edu}

When it is announced that orphans from Pakistan are going to live in Idaho, the Governor of this state declares that the borders are closed to immigrants. The dimwit President reacts by initiating a stand off that puts the orphans in the middle of the conflict. Meanwhile, News Net is on the story and is willing to do anything to get the facts. But soon, the Governor of Idaho doesn't care about the Constitutional problems anymore. All he cares about is getting back the love from his mistress, a Mexican immigrant working for News Net. Written by Steve Richer {sricher@sympatico.ca}

The Second Civil War looks at the effects of television sensationalism on the political scene. The main characters work for a CNN-like cable news station called News Net who try to get big ratings by exploiting the three T's: tits, tots, and tears. When a group of Pakistani orphans are denied entrance to the state of Idaho by a Governor (Beau Bridges) who wishes to exploit anti-immigration feelings for political advantage, even though he covertly has a Mexican mistress who is a News Net reporter. News Net sees a potential rating bonanza. Meanwhile, the President's political adviser (James Coburn) wants the President (Phil Hartman) to act like Eisenhower and insist on the orphans admittance. The cults of victimization and sensationalism which the news media have cannily exploited now result in the country splitting apart along racial lines as various groups throw their support behind either the President or the Governor, leading to the U.S.' second civil war, as the political adviser suggests that madness is more popular than the appearance of weakness on the part of the President. Written by Dennis Fischer {DFischer@laedu.lalc.k12.ca.us}

Related Links