Ep 1. Devil in the Details

In the first episode of American Ripper, titled "Devil in the Details," viewers are introduced to the story of H.H. Holmes, one of America's first serial killers. Holmes is widely known for his infamous "Murder Castle," a hotel he built in Chicago during the late 1800s, which he used as a front for his gruesome crimes.

The show follows Holmes' great-great-grandson, Jeff Mudgett, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his ancestor's crimes. Mudgett is a lawyer and former naval officer who has always been fascinated by his family's mysterious past. He has spent years researching his family tree and examining old documents to try and piece together what really happened all those years ago.

The episode starts with Mudgett sitting down with his father, who reveals to him an old family photo album that contains pictures of Holmes, as well as some of his alleged victims. The photos are chilling and serve to highlight the gruesome nature of Holmes' crimes. Mudgett is left reeling from the revelation and decides to delve deeper into the family history.

He enlists the help of forensic scientist Amaryllis Fox, who specializes in DNA analysis and is a former CIA agent. Together, they travel to the site of Holmes' murder castle in Chicago, which has long since been demolished. Mudgett is eager to get a sense of the place where his ancestor committed these heinous crimes, and he hopes to find any clues that might shed some light on the mystery.

The two begin by interviewing local historians and digging through archival material to try and piece together what really happened at the murder castle. They zero in on some of the more damning evidence, such as the fact that Holmes was known to sell the skeletons of his victims to medical schools around the country. They also discover that he had a series of secret tunnels and hidden rooms throughout the hotel, which he used to trap and kill his victims.

Mudgett and Fox also explore the possibility that Holmes may have been Jack the Ripper, the notorious killer who terrorized the streets of London in the late 1800s. They compare the two cases and search for any potential links between the two killers. While some evidence suggests that Holmes may have had connections to London at the time of the Jack the Ripper murders, there is no concrete proof linking the two together.

Ultimately, the episode ends with Mudgett still searching for answers and contemplating the true nature of his ancestor's crimes. He is left wondering whether or not his family legacy is one of darkness and evil, or if there is more to the story that has yet to be uncovered.

Overall, "Devil in the Details" serves as a riveting introduction to the world of H.H. Holmes and his gruesome crimes. The episode does an excellent job of setting the stage for the rest of the series, and viewers will no doubt find themselves eager to learn more about this twisted tale of murder and mystery.