Dateline Season 17 Episode 49 AKA Clark Rockefeller

In Dateline season 17 episode 49, titled AKA Clark Rockefeller, viewers are taken on a wild ride through the life of a man who could only be described as a captivating con artist. This episode tells the story of Clark Rockefeller, a man who convinced everyone he met that he was a member of the famous Rockefeller family, one of the richest families in America.

The show starts out by introducing viewers to Clark Rockefeller's charming persona as he effortlessly weaves in and out of high society circles, schmoozing with the elite and gaining their trust with his wit and charm. His backstory seems immaculate-- he tells tales of growing up in luxury as a Rockefeller, and why he was under the radar for so many years. Even his wife's story of how they met and fell in love was so convincing that it was tough to not believe a word she said. However, as the episode unfolds, Dateline delves deep into the deceptions and lies that Clark Rockefeller masterfully spun for decades.

The show presents interviews with people from Clark Rockefeller's past, including former friends, acquaintances, and even ex-wives. They recount bizarre and sometimes terrifying encounters with the man who had enchanted them. His ex-wife Sandra Bosch takes center stage as she vividly recalls how Clark's smooth lies eventually lost their luster, and his true identity was finally revealed. Bosch reveals the chilling details of how Clark abducted their daughter, and how he intended to escape with the child to a foreign country where they would never be found.

Through interviews with detectives and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on Clark Rockefeller's case, viewers get a glimpse into the criminal investigation and the quest to bring the imposter to justice. The episode meticulously details each step of the process, from Bosch's desperate search for her daughter to the FBI's hunt for the elusive conman. It's a compelling story of how a smart, calculating man fooled so many, for so long.

The show also presents the testimony of other women who were drawn to Clark Rockefeller, as he spun his tall tales about his family's fortune and influence. They candidly recount their stories of how they too were taken in by his charm, and the heart-wrenching reality of finding out that they had been duped.

One of the highlights of this Dateline episode is the way that it pieces together Clark Rockefeller's past. The episode looks back at his childhood in Germany, where he was known as Christian Gerhartsreiter. Through interviews with those who knew him back then, Dateline pieces together the picture of a young man obsessed with becoming someone he is not. He studied American culture, obsessively read newspapers, and, according to one acquaintance, even tried to teach himself to walk differently to mimic the swagger of a high-powered executive. His entire life became a performance, carried out with a ruthless dedication that beguiled those around him.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers are left with the feeling that truth is often far stranger than fiction. The story of Clark Rockefeller is a wild ride, and Dateline delivers it with masterful storytelling. While the subject matter is serious, there are moments of levity and dark humor interspersed throughout the episode, which make it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

Overall, Dateline season 17 episode 49 is an engaging and detailed look at the life and crimes of Clark Rockefeller. The episode highlights the incredible efforts of those who worked to bring him to justice while also presenting a nuanced look at the inner workings of a masterful con artist's mind. It's a must-see for true crime fans, lovers of mystery, and anyone who enjoys a good story.