Ep 1. The Philadelphia Experiment, Ape-Man Army, Zapped to Death

The show Dark Matters: Twisted But True season 1 episode 1 opens with the infamous story of The Philadelphia Experiment. In 1943, during World War II, the United States Navy was said to have conducted a top-secret experiment in which they attempted to make their warship invisible to radar. The experiment reportedly had catastrophic consequences, with crew members suffering severe burns and even disappearing entirely. The episode delves into the background of the experiment and explores the theories surrounding what may have happened.

Next, the show moves onto another bizarre event from history - the Ape-Man Army. In the 1920s, a wealthy businessman named Robert Wadlow wanted to create an army of genetically modified soldiers with the strength and agility of apes. The project involved crossbreeding humans and apes and training the resulting offspring to become warriors. The episode examines what led Wadlow to pursue this strange venture and how far he was able to take it.

The final segment of the episode explores the deadly consequences of electrical experimentation. In the late 1800s, electricity was a relatively new field of science, and many inventors were experimenting with it to unlock its potential. However, their lack of understanding of the dangers of electricity led to several tragic accidents. The show examines the story of one such accident, in which a man named William Kemmler was executed with a newly invented electric chair. The experiment went horrifically wrong, and Kemmler suffered a prolonged and agonizing death.

Throughout the episode, the show relies on interviews with experts, historical reenactments, and archival footage to bring these bizarre and disturbing stories to life. The storytelling is engaging and well-paced, with each segment building tension and intrigue. The episode also raises thought-provoking questions about the limits of scientific experimentation and the ethical implications of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Overall, Dark Matters: Twisted But True season 1 episode 1 is a gripping and thought-provoking introduction to the series. It sets the tone for the rest of the show, showcasing the bizarre, disturbing, and intriguing stories that will be explored in future episodes. Fans of true crime, science fiction, and history will all find something to enjoy in this captivating show.