What does Bolsonaro’s arrest reveal about us?

In “Saideira”, Paulo Polzonoff welcomes Francisco Escorsim and Paulo Briguet for a program that starts differently: before any comments on culture, literature or cinema, the trio faces head-on the unavoidable topic of the week: the arrest of former president Jair Bolsonaro. An episode that not only dominated the political agenda, but also provoked deep discussions about justice, conscience, spirituality and the emotional state of the country. It is from this point that the program unfolds.

In the first block, Polzonoff explains why he decided to open the program with the theme and asks colleagues to nominate a book, film, painting or song that can help the public reflect on this historical moment. It is not just about discussing the fact itself, but what it reveals: the fear that paralyzes, the limits of power, the way Brazilians deal with institutional abuse and the perplexity faced by a country that seems to get used to the extraordinary.

Woody Allen and Adélia Prado

Having overcome the initial impact, “Saideira” does what he does best: radically change the subject. The trio leaves for Woody Allen, who is turning 90 years old. Polzonoff says that he wrote a text selecting five essential films by the director available on streaming and admits that, despite loving the filmmaker’s work, he recognizes that it “hurts”. The discussion revolves around this discomfort: why do such brilliant films leave a bitter sensation? Briguet and Escorsim enter the conversation with their visions, memories and personal preferences.

Next, the program enters unexpected territory for a political channel: poetry. More specifically, the poetry of Adélia Prado, who is also turning 90 years old. Polzonoff presents the text he wrote about “O Jardim das Oliveiras”, the author’s new book, and comments on the positive reception from readers whenever he deals with the topic. The trio talks about art, maturity, faith, everyday life and the way in which Adélia manages to transform the banal into something luminous. It is a moment of calm after the political storm.

Comment Sommelier

But the peace is short-lived, because the moment that viewers are most looking forward to comes: the moment to “comment on the comments”. It is the space in which Escorsim, the “comment sommelier”, selects compliments, provocations and observations sent by readers in the columns of People’s Gazette. In this edition, there are everything from affectionate statements to a serious warning comparing Brazil to North Korea.

The program also highlights a humorous commentary on “Stranger Things”, based on a column by Escorsim about the famous “broomball” at American parties. It’s the type of moment that gives “Saideira” its identity: the unexpected humor, the lightness that emerges in the midst of serious themes and the natural coexistence between politics and pop culture. This was the last “Saideira” of the year.