Ep 4. The Exit
- December 3, 2020
- 51 min
In season 1 episode 4 of "Heaven's Gate: The Cult of Cults" titled "The Exit," viewers are taken through the final hours of the infamous cult.
The episode starts with a recap of the cult's beliefs and how they came to believe that their physical bodies were simply vessels for their souls, which would ultimately ascend to a higher plane of existence. The cult leader, Marshall Applewhite, had convinced his followers that this event was going to happen via a spacecraft hidden behind the Hale-Bopp comet.
The episode then delves into the lead up to the cult's mass suicide, including the purchasing of the land where it would take place and the making of the videos which would explain their actions to the outside world. We learn about the cult's strict adherence to Applewhite's teachings, including a strict routine of meditation and isolation, and the consequences for those who broke the rules.
As the final day approaches, tensions within the group are high. Several members express doubts about the suicide plan, while others are eager to make the ultimate sacrifice. We hear from those who lost loved ones in the tragedy and what they believe motivated their family members to make such a drastic decision.
The episode then provides a detailed account of the events on March 26, 1997, the day of the mass suicide. We hear from the surviving members about their emotions and thought processes leading up to the final act and how they made peace with their decision.
The episode also highlights the aftermath of the mass suicide, including the discovery of the bodies by authorities and the ensuing media frenzy. We hear from journalists who covered the story and the impact it had on their careers. We also hear from the families of the victims and their struggle to come to terms with what happened.
Overall, "The Exit" is a harrowing and emotional account of the lead up to one of the deadliest cult events in history. It provides a glimpse into the minds of those who were willing to give up everything for their beliefs and the lasting impact their actions had on those left behind.
