Are You Now, Margaret?

The title comes from the "Red hysteria" of the 1940s and 1950s: a witch hunt led by junior Senator Joseph McCarthy, where anyone could be accused of being a Communist and could be summoned before a Congressional committee. Those summoned were asked, "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" Even appearing could ruin the professional and public reputation of the witness regardless of whether he or she cooperated, admitted membership in the Communist Party, and/or named additional people as suspected members. The committee referenced many times by the characters was the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).

When the Congressional aide first visits the swamp, while BJ is lying in his cot, where the tent is cut away to allow for the cameras, the sky is visible in the top right corner.