Ep 7. Land of Manson

In this episode of Cities of the Underworld, the focus is on Los Angeles and the notorious Manson Family. The episode is titled Land of Manson, and delves into the dark side of the city's history.

The episode begins with host Don Wildman exploring the various underground tunnels and hidden spaces in Los Angeles, many of which were used for illegal activities such as bootlegging and gambling during the prohibition era. Wildman points out that the city's seedy past is often overlooked in favor of its glitz and glamour, but that it is important to understand the darker side of Los Angeles in order to appreciate its complexity.

Wildman then takes viewers to the Spahn Ranch, the infamous home of the Manson Family during their murder spree in the late 1960s. The ranch was an isolated location where the Manson Family lived communally, and Wildman explores the underground tunnels and hidden rooms where they likely hid from the law. He also visits the site where Sharon Tate and her friends were brutally murdered by Manson's followers, pointing out how the murders marked a turning point in the city's culture and psyche.

From there, Wildman explores other areas of the city connected to Manson and his followers, including the LaBianca house where another set of killings occurred, and the Death Valley location where Manson and his followers hid out after the murders. He talks to experts and historians about the Manson Family's impact on the city, and how the murders signaled the end of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Throughout the episode, Wildman emphasizes the importance of understanding the city's dark history in order to fully appreciate its beauty and complexity. He also points out that many of the underground spaces he explores are in danger of being lost to development or neglect, and that it is important to preserve them in order to maintain a connection to the city's past.

Overall, Land of Manson is a fascinating and chilling look at one of the darkest periods in Los Angeles' history. Wildman's exploration of the city's underground spaces and connection to the Manson Family provides valuable insights into the city's cultural and social landscape, and offers a sobering reminder of how violence and extremism can impact even the most glamorous of cities.