Watch Evil Genius

Evil Genius is a true crime docuseries that premiered on Netflix in 2018. It features four one-hour episodes that delve into the bizarre and intricate details surrounding the infamous "Pizza Bomber" case in Erie, Pennsylvania that occurred on August 28, 2003. The show explores how the events of the day unfolded and how what started off as a simple bank robbery soon turns into a complex and gruesome crime that left viewers around the world shocked and appalled. The show takes a comprehensive look at the case from multiple perspectives and presents all sides of the story to the audience.

The documentary features interviews with a number of individuals involved in the case, including witnesses, law enforcement officials, the lead FBI investigator, and even relatives of the alleged perpetrators. As the series proceeds, the shocking twists and turns of the story are revealed, which includes an unconventional and surreal series of events that led to the heinous crime.

The series starts with the robbery of a PNC Bank branch in Erie in 2003. A man approached the teller and slipped them a note demanding $250,000 before brandishing a homemade explosive device that he strapped to the neck of the victim. The man fled with the stolen money, and the bomb went off shortly thereafter, killing the victim.

At this point, the story becomes even more intriguing - when police arrested the man they believed to be behind the robbery and the bomb, they found that he had been murdered in a bizarre plot involving a scavenger hunt, a cane gun, and meticulous plans. Investigators tracked down his accomplices and the plot only became more disjointed and mysterious as more characters in this plot began to emerge.

The docuseries works to capture the tension and emotion of the investigation surrounding these events, featuring interviews with the investigators, victims, psychologists, and even journalists to help piece together the crimes committed that day. The narration is provided by expert psychologists, including Judy Ho and Tim Friedlander, who help the viewers understand the actions behind the crimes, as well as the psychological profiles of the individuals associated with the heinous acts.

One interesting component of the documentary is that it also attempts to depict the broader context and societal issues surrounding the crimes, exploring the war against the terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida and ISIS in the early 2000s, and how these impacted law enforcement's response to the case.

Director Jon Douglas Rainey has done an excellent job weaving together a narrative that is compelling, fascinating, and haunting. The score and music used in the show, especially during the tense moments, are thoughtfully put together to intensify the emotions depicted on the screen.

The series ultimately provides an in-depth look at the "Pizza Bomber" case by allowing the witnesses, law enforcement officials, and family members of the victims a platform to tell their stories in their own words. The show manages to keep the audience engaged while providing a comprehensive look at the complex web of events that led to the heinous crime, and it holds up solidly to repeat viewings.

In conclusion, Evil Genius is an excellent addition to Netflix's true crime documentary lineup. It is insightful, thought-provoking, and compelling for true crime lovers and anyone who is fascinated by the mind-bending storylines of the criminal underworld. The show succeeds in pushing the boundaries of true-crime by presenting a shocking and disturbing story that challenges the viewers' understanding of the justice system, human behavior, and morality. Whether you're an expert in true-crime or a casual viewer, Evil Genius is well worth watching.

Evil Genius is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on May 11, 2018.