Watch Dark Matters: Twisted But True

Dark Matters: Twisted But True is a fascinating television show that explores some of the most bizarre scientific experiments and discoveries of the 20th century. The show, which aired on Science Channel from 2011 to 2012, is hosted by John Noble, best known for his role as Dr. Walter Bishop on the television series Fringe.

Each episode of Dark Matters: Twisted But True delves into a different scientific topic, ranging from the attempts to create a real-life Frankenstein's monster to the study of the effects of LSD on the human brain. The show uses a combination of interviews with experts, dramatic reenactments, and archival footage to bring these strange and often disturbing stories to life.

One of the key strengths of Dark Matters: Twisted But True is how it explores the ethical and moral implications of these experiments. While some of the experiments may have seemed innocent or well-intentioned at the time, many of them had unexpected consequences that raise important questions about the role of science in society.

For example, the show examines the case of Dr. Robert Heath, a neurosurgeon who believed he could cure homosexuality by using electrodes to stimulate certain parts of the brain. While some of his patients reported feeling more attracted to the opposite sex, others suffered from seizures, memory loss, and other serious side effects. The show raises important questions about the ethics of using science to try to change someone's sexual orientation.

Another episode of Dark Matters: Twisted But True explores the story of Dr. Ewen Cameron, a Canadian psychiatrist who conducted controversial experiments on his patients in the 1950s and 1960s. Cameron believed that he could cure mental illness by erasing his patients' memories using a technique known as "psychic driving." While some of his patients did report feeling better after the treatments, others suffered from permanent memory loss and other serious mental health problems.

The show also delves into some of the more obscure and lesser-known areas of scientific research. For example, one episode explores the work of Dr. Wilhelm Reich, a controversial psychologist who believed that he had discovered a new form of energy that could cure cancer and other illnesses. Reich's theories were largely dismissed by the scientific community, and he ultimately died in prison after being convicted of fraud.

Throughout Dark Matters: Twisted But True, the show is careful to present both sides of each story. While some of the experiments and discoveries may seem shocking or unethical to modern audiences, the show makes an effort to put them into historical context and explore the reasoning behind them. At the same time, the show also raises important questions about the limits of scientific experimentation and the responsibilities of scientists to their subjects.

In addition to John Noble, Dark Matters: Twisted But True features commentary and analysis from a number of experts in the fields of science, psychology, and history. Jim Ottaviani, a science writer and graphic novel author, provides valuable insights into the history of scientific experimentation, while Sean Montgomery, a paranormal investigator, offers a unique perspective on some of the more outlandish stories explored on the show.

Overall, Dark Matters: Twisted But True is a fascinating and thought-provoking television series that explores some of the most interesting and bizarre scientific discoveries of the past century. Whether you're a fan of science, history, or just great storytelling, this show is definitely worth checking out.

Dark Matters: Twisted But True is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (19 episodes). The series first aired on August 31, 2011.