Ep 11. Put On A Happy Face

In Evil Lives Here season 3 episode 11, titled Put On A Happy Face, viewers are taken on a journey through the eyes of a daughter whose father turned out to be a serial killer. The episode features the chilling story of Melissa Moore, a young girl whose childhood was consumed by the secrets of her father, Keith Jesperson.

The episode begins with Melissa's fond memories of her father, who was a long-haul truck driver, frequently being away from home. However, the once warm and jovial father gradually transforms into someone unrecognizable to Melissa, and the well-being of the family takes a dark turn. The episode reveals how Melissa's father threatened her and her siblings' lives, warning them to never reveal the secrets of the family's dark and dysfunctional reality.

Viewers are taken on a suspenseful ride as Melissa shares her childhood timeline of events, from discovering her father's dark secret to guiltily concealing it for years. The fear of what her father was capable of kept Melissa and her siblings silent until they could no longer bear the weight of the secrets. As a grown-up, Melissa breaks her silence to reveal the chilling truth about her father to the world.

Putting a happy face on a family’s secrets is a tactic often used by abusers to cloak their behavior. In this episode, Melissa Moore says that her father always seemed to have a smile on his face, even as he was committing heinous crimes. It took Melissa years to come forward and share the horrors that she experienced at the hands of her father.

In Put On A Happy Face, the audience is taken through a roller-coaster of emotions as Melissa shares memories of her father's emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. Moreover, the episode shows how her father's crimes affected not only Melissa but everyone close to him.

The episode emphasizes the power of denial, especially in families, and how it can lead to grave consequences, often affecting generations to come. Melissa's journey reminds us of the importance of owning our truth, no matter how unpleasant it might be, and encourages everyone to break their silence, no matter the consequences.

Overall, Evil Lives Here season 3 episode 11, Put On A Happy Face, is a compelling and chilling story of survival, courage, and strength in the face of unspeakable horrors. It is a must-watch for true-crime enthusiasts and anyone looking for a captivating story of resilience against all odds.