Ep 28. The Dropout

The latest episode of ABC 20/20 season 41 is titled "The Dropout" and is a fascinating deep dive into the story of Elizabeth Holmes. Holmes was the founder and CEO of the now-infamous blood-testing company, Theranos, which was touted as a revolutionary breakthrough in healthcare technology. However, as viewers will learn, the entire company was built on lies, deception, and an overwhelming desire to be successful at any cost.

The episode begins with an introduction to Holmes and her company, detailing how she quickly became one of the most influential and celebrated figures in the tech world. Throughout the episode, viewers are given unprecedented access to insiders and former employees who detail the incredible rise and fall of Theranos.

One of the most striking aspects of the episode is the incredible charisma and charm that Holmes exuded. Through interviews and footage, viewers will see just how effortlessly she was able to convince people of her vision and her expertise. However, as the episode continues, viewers will see how this charisma was used to manipulate investors, employees, and even the media.

As details of the elaborate fraud perpetrated by Holmes and her team begin to emerge, the episode takes on a thrilling, true-crime feel. Viewers will feel a sense of shock as they learn just how far Holmes was willing to go in order to maintain the illusion of Theranos's success.

Throughout the episode, viewers will also be given a glimpse into the culture of Silicon Valley and the tech industry as a whole. Interviews with former employees and experts shed light on the deeply entrenched attitudes of success and disruption that drove many entrepreneurs like Holmes to create and promote their products at any cost.

The episode concludes with an overview of the legal fallout that followed the collapse of Theranos. Viewers will see how the company's misleading claims led to a number of lawsuits and criminal charges, eventually resulting in Elizabeth Holmes being indicted on federal fraud charges. The episode ends on a note of uncertainty, leaving viewers to ponder the larger implications of the Theranos scandal and the consequences for those involved.

Overall, "The Dropout" is a gripping and insightful look into one of the most high-profile business scandals of recent years. With a wealth of footage, interviews, and expert analysis, the episode offers a compelling and entertaining look into the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and the ill-fated Theranos.