Ep 5. Rambo

In CopyCat Killers season 1 episode 5 titled "Rambo," the true story of a gruesome murder is depicted, where a man named Michael killed his best friend and his friend's girlfriend in cold blood. The episode explores how Michael's obsession with the Rambo movies may have played a role in his actions. Michael harbored a deep admiration for the character, relating to his sense of patriotism and desire for justice.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn more about Michael's troubled past, including his history of violence and drug abuse. Michael's behavior was becoming increasingly erratic, as he would often quote lines from the Rambo films and pose with a knife in the mirror. His girlfriend, Vanessa, became increasingly concerned about his mental state and realized he was not the man she had fallen in love with.

One day, Michael and his victims, Ryan and Naomi, went on a camping trip to the woods. While they were drinking and relaxing, Michael snuck up on Ryan and slit his throat. Naomi tried to run, but Michael chased her down and brutally stabbed her to death. He later turned himself in to police, claiming he had been possessed by the spirit of Rambo.

The episode includes interviews with experts who explain how media can influence individuals, specifically citing the concept of media-induced violence. The experts provide insight into how Michael's obsession with Rambo may have led to his delusions of invincibility and contributed to his violent behavior.

Overall, "Rambo" is a haunting depiction of the copycat phenomenon, where an individual's fixation on a fictional character or story crosses a dangerous line into reality. The episode raises important questions about the impact of media on society and the dangers of glorifying violence in popular culture.