Ep 1. On the Outskirts of Town

On the Outskirts of Town is a gripping episode of Dateline season 27 that delves into the suspicious disappearance of a woman named Jennifer Dulos. Jennifer, a mother of five, went missing from her home in New Canaan, Connecticut in May 2019, and the case immediately captured national attention.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to Jennifer's friends and family members, who paint a picture of a woman who was intelligent, driven, and caring. Jennifer's estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, quickly becomes a key suspect in the investigation, and Dateline takes viewers on a journey through the twists and turns of the case as law enforcement officials try to unravel what happened to Jennifer.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the episode is the way it examines the dynamics of the Dulos family. Fotis and Jennifer had been going through a contentious divorce at the time of Jennifer's disappearance, and Dateline interviews many people who knew the couple well. Some describe Jennifer as a devoted mother who was desperate to protect her children from Fotis's controlling behavior, while others suggest that Fotis was unfairly demonized in the media and that Jennifer was not always as she seemed.

Throughout the episode, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats as law enforcement officials reveal new evidence and unexpected plot twists emerge. One particularly chilling moment comes when Dateline interviews a neighbor who witnessed a man resembling Fotis disposing of what appeared to be a bloody tarp in a nearby dumpster.

As the investigation continues, Dateline shines a spotlight on the tireless efforts of the New Canaan police department, who work through countless dead ends and false leads in their quest to find Jennifer. Journalist Josh Mankiewicz, who serves as the show's host and narrator, expertly guides viewers through the complexities of the investigation, providing insightful commentary and contextualization throughout.

Ultimately, On the Outskirts of Town is a fascinating and gripping episode of Dateline that explores the devastating impact that a missing person can have on a family and a community. Though the case remains unresolved at the time of the episode's airing, Dateline does an incredible job of bringing the nuances and complexities of the story to life. True crime fans will undoubtedly be captivated by this compelling and thought-provoking episode.