Ep 4. The Second Wave: America's Most Notorious Serial Killers
- TV-14
- May 14, 2019
- 57 min
-
6.9 (17)
In this episode of Becoming Evil: Serial Killers, titled "The Second Wave: America's Most Notorious Serial Killers," viewers are taken on a chilling journey through the minds of some of the most heinous serial killers in American history. Beginning in the 1970s, a second wave of serial killers emerged, claiming more victims than ever before and leaving communities across the country in fear.
The episode explores the cases of infamous killers including Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer. Through expert analysis and interviews with those who knew these murderers, viewers gain a deeper understanding of what drove these individuals to commit such horrifying acts of violence.
At the heart of the episode is the question of nature versus nurture. Were these killers born evil, or did traumatic experiences and societal factors lead them down a path of darkness? Experts weigh in on everything from childhood abuse to environmental factors like the rise of mass media and declining mental health services as potential contributors to the rise of serial killers in this era.
Throughout the episode, viewers are confronted with the brutality of these crimes and the lasting impact they had on the families and communities affected. However, in examining the motives behind these horrific acts, the episode ultimately seeks to shed light on what we can learn from these cases in order to prevent future violence.
Overall, "The Second Wave: America's Most Notorious Serial Killers" is a thought-provoking and unsettling exploration of the darker side of humanity. Through in-depth analysis and personal accounts, viewers are challenged to confront the complex factors that can lead a person down the path to evil.