Borderland

Borderland (2014)

EndedDocumentary show

Al Jazeera America presents Borderland, a new original series in which average Americans are confronted with the realities of illegal immigration while retracing the footsteps of dead border runners.

Six Americans are tasked by a frontier medical examiner with retracing the footsteps of three dead migrants — three of the nearly 6,000 illegal immigrants who perished in the desert in the last 15 years while crossing from Mexico. Gathered at the morgue, the participants are handed three case files and told, "We've given them a name. You must give them a story." The six, from all walks of life, first explore the issue on the U.S. side, embedding with law enforcement and Arizona ranchers angry at the cartels that now control not just the drug trade but the migrant routes as well. Then, split into three groups, they head for Mexico and Central America, learning about the lives of the migrants they've been asked to follow. In a twist, the medical examiner instructs the six to work their way back to the United States alongside real migrants by whatever means necessary … on river rafts, on foot through gang-controlled jungle and, once regrouped, on top the infamous cargo train known as La Bestia. Finally, from cartel-held Sinaloa state, they attempt the journeys that proved fatal to their assigned migrants — a dangerous trek through the hot badlands. They'll live. But will they learn?

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday at 21:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E04Episode 4May 4, 2014
S01E03Episode 3Apr 27, 2014
S01E02Episode 2Apr 20, 2014
S01E01Episode 1Apr 13, 2014
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Borderland premiere?

Borderland premiered on October 17, 2014.

Who created Borderland?

Borderland was created by Peter A. Dowling.

What is the genre of Borderland?

Borderland is a crime drama series.

Who are the main characters of Borderland?

The main characters of Borderland are Detective Inspector Jack Deering, Detective Sergeant Charlie Barlow, and Detective Sergeant Zoe Kennedy.

Where is Borderland set?

Borderland is set in a fictional town in the Lancashire Moors.

What is the premise of Borderland?

The premise of Borderland is a team of detectives working to uncover the truth behind a series of murders in a small town on the border between the UK and Ireland.

Who stars in Borderland?

Borderland stars Brian Cox, Felicity Kendal, and Anastasia Hille.

What kind of cases does the team in Borderland handle?

The team in Borderland handles complex and often gruesome murder cases.

What is the central mystery at the heart of Borderland?

The central mystery at the heart of Borderland is the identity of a mysterious figure known only as "Goliath."

How does Borderland explore the relationship between the UK and Ireland?

Borderland explores the often tense relationship between the UK and Ireland through its setting on the border between the two countries.

What is the tone of Borderland?

The tone of Borderland is dark and gritty, reflecting the violent and disturbing nature of its cases.

How does Borderland handle its more graphic scenes?

Borderland handles its more graphic scenes with a degree of restraint, focusing more on the emotional impact of the crimes rather than sensationalizing violence.

How does Borderland's setting play a role in the series?

Borderland's setting on the border between the UK and Ireland is a major part of the series, influencing its characters and the cases they work on.

Cast

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Characters

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