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The Good Whale - Trailer

Serial

Published: Thu Nov 07 2024

After the movie “Free Willy” became a hit, word got out that the star of the film, a killer whale named Keiko, was sick and living in a tiny pool at a Mexican amusement park. Fans were outraged and pleaded for his release. “The Good Whale” tells the story of the wildly ambitious science experiment to return Keiko to the ocean — while the world watched. An epic tale that starts in Mexico and ends in Norway, the six-episode series follows Keiko as he’s transported from country to country, each time landing in the hands of well-intentioned people who believe they know what’s best for him – people who still disagree, decades later, about whether they did the right thing.

Summary

Title: The Good Whale - Trailer
Podcast: Serial
Host/Author: Serial Productions & The New York Times
Release Date: November 14th

Introduction to "The Good Whale"

In the trailer for The Good Whale, host Sarah Koenig introduces a poignant new series that diverges from the usual political narratives. Instead, it delves into the life of Keiko, the orca famously portrayed in the beloved children's movie Free Willy. Koenig describes the series as "six beautiful episodes about what happened to the real killer whale who played the Hollywood killer whale," promising an emotionally resonant and scientifically intriguing journey into marine life.

Meet Keiko: A One-of-a-Kind Whale

The series centers on Keiko, an orca who captured the hearts of millions through his role in Free Willy. Daniel Alarcón, the host of The Good Whale and a renowned writer, provides an intimate portrayal of Keiko's unique personality and his exceptional relationship with humans.

Daniel Alarcón [02:08]: "His name was Keiko and everyone agreed he was a good whale."

Experts and trainers who worked with Keiko emphasize his unparalleled nature:

Unnamed Trainer [02:11]: "Keiko was one of a kind... completely different from any other orca."

Another speaker highlights Keiko's exceptional grace and gentleness:

Unnamed Speaker [02:18]: "Everybody that worked with him called him the one in a million whales. Because no matter how far my career stretches and how long I work with marine mammals, there will never be another whale like that."

Life in Captivity and Rise to Stardom

Keiko spent over a decade in captivity, performing at a Mexican amusement park where he became a beloved figure among visitors, particularly children. His ability to connect with people and perform complex behaviors made him a standout among captive orcas.

Unnamed Trainer [02:31]: "I would have taken my one year old daughter and put him on his back without a care or concern in the world. He was that gentle."

His starring role in Free Willy not only elevated his fame but also set the stage for a significant turning point in his life. Keiko portrayed Willy, the captive orca striving for freedom, a narrative that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

Daniel Alarcón [02:53]: "Keiko was good. When he was cast in the movie Free Willy, he played the part of Willy, of course, a captive killer whale who's befriended by a 12-year-old boy and then set free."

The Quest for Freedom: Ambition vs. Reality

Following his portrayal of Willy, there was a global movement to set Keiko free, aiming to transition him from captivity to the wild. This endeavor was not merely an act of liberation but a complex scientific experiment intended to reintegrate a captive orca into its natural habitat.

Daniel Alarcón raises critical questions about this ambitious project:

Daniel Alarcón [03:45]: "Was wildness even something Keiko wanted? Or was it something we needed from him? A chance to redeem ourselves for the harms we'd caused."

The series explores the ethical and practical challenges of rewilding a captive marine mammal. Experts involved in the project express mixed emotions, acknowledging Keiko's gentle nature while grappling with the uncertainties of his potential return to the wild.

Unnamed Speaker [03:30]: "It felt like ringing your pet dog out to the forest and then running away. And the dog being hungry and scared and wanted to go home."

Unnamed Speaker [03:38]: "I was furious because I could see what we had done to him."

Koenig encapsulates the profound ethical dilemma:

Sarah Koenig [03:42]: "We played God at that point."

The High-Stakes Science Experiment

At the heart of The Good Whale is Keiko's role in a high-profile scientific experiment aimed at understanding the capabilities and desires of a captive orca when faced with the prospect of returning to the wild. The series delves into the meticulous efforts to teach Keiko essential survival skills, such as holding his breath and hunting for food independently.

Daniel Alarcón [03:04]: "Not just to Keiko, but to all captive whales. I always ask people that are the detractors. Where would you have stopped it?"

The narrative examines whether Keiko's eagerness to please his human caretakers translated into a genuine desire for wildness, or if the project was more about human redemption than Keiko's well-being.

Conclusion: Anticipation for the Series

As the trailer concludes, listeners are invited to embark on this emotionally charged and scientifically rich journey with Daniel Alarcón. The Good Whale promises to offer a deep dive into Keiko's story, blending marine science with ethical contemplation and narrative storytelling.

Sarah Koenig [04:34]: "The Good Whale comes out next week on Thursday, November 14th. Wherever you get your podcasts, search for The Good Whale on your podcast app. Follow the show and you'll be notified the minute new episodes come out."

Notable Quotes:

  • Daniel Alarcón [02:08]: "His name was Keiko and everyone agreed he was a good whale."
  • Unnamed Trainer [02:18]: "Everybody that worked with him called him the one in a million whales."
  • Unnamed Trainer [02:31]: "I would have taken my one year old daughter and put him on his back without a care or concern in the world. He was that gentle."
  • Sarah Koenig [03:42]: "We played God at that point."

The Good Whale promises to be a compelling exploration of Keiko's legacy, the complexities of marine mammal captivity, and the broader implications for animal welfare and scientific endeavors. It invites listeners to reflect on the intersection of human intentions and animal agency, making it a must-listen for those interested in heartfelt storytelling and ethical discourse.

No transcript available.