Dateline Season 30 Episode 8 The Doomsday Files

In the latest episode of Dateline's 30th season, titled "The Doomsday Files," viewers are taken on a gripping journey into the world of doomsday preppers. The episode delves into the lives of two families - Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, and Jason and Tylee Ryan - whose paths intersect due to their shared interest in doomsday preparation.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to Lori Vallow, a woman living in Arizona with her two children (Tylee and JJ), who she claims are "light and dark spirits." Lori's belief in the end of the world is evident from the elaborate doomsday preparation she has undertaken - stockpiling food, weapons, and other supplies to survive the impending apocalypse. Lori meets her future husband, Chad Daybell, an author of doomsday-themed books, through a Facebook group dedicated to doomsday prepping.

Meanwhile, in Idaho, Jason Ryan and his daughter Tylee Ryan have also been preparing for the end of the world. Jason has been stockpiling supplies for years and has also trained Tylee in various survival skills. However, tragedy strikes as Tylee's mother passes away, leaving her in the care of her father.

As the families' paths cross, things take a dark turn. Lori's children, Tylee and JJ, go missing, and Lori and Chad offer conflicting stories about their whereabouts. As law enforcement gets involved, they discover a web of lies and deceit that is rooted in the couple's doomsday beliefs. The investigation leads to the discovery of bodies on Chad's property, and both Lori and Chad are arrested.

Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and experts in the field, "The Doomsday Files" offers a comprehensive look at the consequences of doomsday prepping taken too far. The episode raises important questions about mental health, family dynamics, and the larger societal factors that contribute to the rise of doomsday prepping.

Overall, "The Doomsday Files" is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that sheds new light on a subculture that is frequently glamorized in popular media. By presenting a balanced perspective on the lives of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, as well as the impact of their doomsday beliefs on their families and communities, the episode leaves viewers with much to consider.