Netflix’s Explained Season 3 Episode 8 Recap: Power of Apologies

Vox’s Explained Season 3 Episode 8 ‘Apologies’ is now out on Netflix. Keke Palmer has narrated the 21 minutes episode. The synopsis reads – Apologising is tough, and in this era of public mea culpas, forgiveness isn’t guaranteed. What makes for a good apology, and why does it hold such power?

Explained Season 3 Episode 8 Recap Contains Spoilers

Netflix’s Explained Season 3 Episode 8 ‘Apologies’ narrator Keke Palmer starts the episode by addressing the 2004 Janet Jackson overexposed fiasco with singer Justin Timberlake. We get to see the video clips of how both the stars apologised back then and how Justin’s apology wouldn’t be accepted today. The guests in today’s episodes are Karina Schumann, Social psychologist and Matthew Hiltzik, CEO of Hiltzik Strategies.

Karina Schumann says, “We are in an age of apology. We cannot read the news without learning about a new public apology that’s been offered. ” Matthew also says something similar like how the number of increasing apologies in today’s time may make them less effective. The narrator of Netflix Explained also says that the more people apologise, the more people expect apologies but the less willing they are to forgive.

From “Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned” to Shakespeare’s “My lord, there needs so such apology. I do beseech your Grace to pardon me,” the way of apologising has changed over the centuries. The episode also tells us how a researcher analysed all the surviving texts in Old English and couldn’t find any genuine instance of apologising. That’s when Karina says that it is difficult for people to apologise sincerely.

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The narrator and Karina tell us some elements that are essential for a good apology. They are – Remorse, Acknowledge, Take Responsibility, Offer an Explanation, Offer Repair, Commitment to Change, Request Forgiveness. In reality, people used to use just two elements out of these while apologising. Matthew Hiltzik talks about public apologies, especially those issued by celebrities. His firm works for such crises and has some big clients.

Due to public exposure and how people are always watching, Matthew talks about how celebrities have changed how they give interviews. He says, “You’ve seen a significant reduction in the big get of an interview, where you have the celebrity on the couch. They’re not taking the chance of having to subject themselves to the interview process from others.” As Matthew speaks, we see pics of Justin Beiber, Brad Pitt and clips of several celebrities who issued public apologies for something that has offended people.

Explained Season 3 Episode 8 also highlights how the medium of celebrity apology has changed in today’s time. People either record a video on their phone or share a written statement on social media. Keke Palmer also narrates the story of Donnell Penny and his brother, along with a few instances, by telling us the power of apology.

Explained Season 3 Episode 8 Recap: Final Thoughts

Overall, today’s episode was quite different from what we saw in this season so far. I agree with the people in today’s episode that the number of apologies, especially from public figures, have increased in the last few years. Are they necessary? Yes, if they have said something that disrespects others. But what’s the point of an apology if it’s not sincere? As the creators have said, to know the power of apology, one must not put forward a performance, but really a conversation.

Explained Season 3 Episode 8 is now streaming on Netflix.

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