Miriam Margolyes embarks on an epic road trip through the heartlands of middle America from Chicago to New Orleans, along the way she meets some of the people whose voices and votes are reshaping the nation. In the opening programme she investigates whether the American dream still exists, if it is available to all and asks why would you want it anyway? In the divided city of Chicago she stays with AirBnB super-hosts Larry and Jai who introduce her to ex-Playboy bunny Candace Jordan who is now a leading socialite in the city. Candace persuades Miriam to have a makeover at a beauty salon and revamp her wardrobe before attending a glittering social event. Miriam then travels to Chicago's south side where she meets an ex-gang member former drug dealer SP, who can't leave his block for fear of rival gang shootings. Next, Miriam hangs out with two rapping brothers in Merrill Park, which is dubbed Murder Park, but fearing for her safety amid rumours of a rival gang visiting the park her ... Written by Mark_a_Wood markawood@hotmail.co.uk

Miriam begins the second leg of her road trip in Indiana at Summer Camp where she joins the young campers as they commence the day pledging allegiance to God and to the U.S. flag and end them sharing thanks around the campfire. She meets camp counsellor Bobby who persuades the actress to try her hand at pottery. Then Miriam heads to Ohio, a state with some of the highest number of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. There she meets anti-drug sheriff Richard K. Jones who runs a jail in Butler County and meets some of the female inmates. Finally, Miriam heads into the mountains of Tennessee where she meets a group of preppers. Fearful of imminent terrorist attacks, financial meltdown and increasing tensions with North Korea they fend for themselves, storing supplies of freeze dried food that will allow them to survive the next 25 years out in the woods if necessary. Written by Mark_a_Wood markawood@hotmail.co.uk