Topic: Zero Dark Thirty

The second season of the "Serial" podcast focuses on Bowe Bergdahl, utilizing 25 hours of recorded conversations between Bergdahl and screenwriter Mark Boal. The hosts argue that Boal, known for "Zero Dark Thirty," is a collaborator with intelligence agencies. They suggest "Serial" is being used as a "throughput mechanism" to establish an official, sanitized narrative of the Bergdahl story for the public.

Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh publishes an explosive report in the London Review of Books claiming the official account of the Abbottabad raid is false. Hersh alleges that a Pakistani intelligence "walk-in" betrayed Bin Laden's location for a $25 million bounty and that the subsequent firefight was a staged fabrication for political gain.

Leaked emails from Admiral McRaven ordered the destruction of photos from the Osama bin Laden raid, leading to accusations of a cover-up by Judicial Watch. The Obama administration maintains that releasing the photos would incite violence, a claim critics find inconsistent with the release of other graphic military imagery. The public's understanding of the raid is now largely shaped by the Hollywood film "Zero Dark Thirty" rather than official evidence.

Former FBI and CIA official Philip Mudd is criticized for his comments on the Charlie Rose show regarding the film Zero Dark Thirty. Mudd argues that the film's portrayal of detainee treatment is inaccurate and that security services operate strictly under the direction of elected officials and the law.

The launch of No Agenda compilation CDs is announced, featuring curated segments on topics like the film "Zero Dark Thirty," EU media pluralism, and the definition of the middle class. These discs are intended as "evergreen" content for new listeners.

The hosts review listener-submitted artwork for the podcast, providing feedback on visibility and originality. Common mistakes include using text that is too small to read when scaled down to thumbnail size and using copyrighted imagery that could lead to legal issues. Specific pieces referencing Zero Dark Thirty and Gardasil are evaluated for their comedic value and technical execution.

Having viewed a military consideration copy of *Zero Dark Thirty*, the hosts discuss the film's portrayal of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. They argue that the "backlash" regarding torture scenes is a marketing ploy to boost interest before the Academy Awards. The film is described as highly sexualized and designed to convince the public that enhanced interrogation is effective, despite a subtle background clip of President Obama disavowing the practice.

The show concludes with a look at Silvio Berlusconi's return to Italian politics and a brief mention of the "Zero Dark Thirty" film as propaganda. The hosts play a "man on the street" clip from Italy and sign off with the Gitmo Nation National Anthem. They announce the next show will be on Sunday.

The trailer for the film *Zero Dark Thirty*, directed by the makers of *The Hurt Locker*, is analyzed as a promotional tool for President Obama's re-election. The film's focus on the hunt for Osama bin Laden is seen as benefiting from inside information provided by the Pentagon to polish the administration's image.