History's Mysteries Season 2 Episode 11 The True Story of the Untouchables

In season 2 episode 11 of History's Mysteries, titled "The True Story of the Untouchables," viewers are taken on a journey back in time to the 1920s and 1930s when crime was rampant in America, specifically in Chicago. The episode focuses on the legendary lawman Eliot Ness and his team of agents known as the Untouchables who were tasked with bringing down notorious bootlegger and mob boss Al Capone.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the Prohibition era, when the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal in the United States. As a result, organized crime syndicates began operating sophisticated bootlegging operations and became incredibly wealthy in the process. Capone emerged as one of the most powerful mob bosses in the country and controlled most of the bootlegging operations in Chicago.

To combat this rising tide of crime, the federal government established a new law enforcement agency known as the Bureau of Prohibition. Ness was handpicked to lead a special squad of agents who would be free from the corruption and bribery that had plagued law enforcement in the past. Known as the Untouchables, these agents were expected to operate without taking bribes or becoming involved with the criminal underworld.

The show then delves into the various technologies and methods used by the Untouchables to track down and arrest Capone and his associates. One technology highlighted is wiretapping, which was in its early stages at the time but proved to be a valuable tool in uncovering evidence against Capone. The Untouchables also used other methods such as stakeouts, ambushes, and raids to take down Capone's illegal activities.

The episode also explores the difficulties that the Untouchables faced in carrying out their mission. Capone was incredibly rich and powerful, and he used his vast resources to try and intimidate or bribe Ness and his team. The episode also reveals that Ness faced significant pushback from the corrupt Chicago police department, which was itself in league with Capone and his associates.

Overall, "The True Story of the Untouchables" is an engaging and informative look at one of America's most legendary law enforcement operations. Through interviews with historians and experts, as well as archival footage and reenactments, viewers are taken on a journey to a time when crime and corruption were rampant, and law enforcement was fighting an uphill battle against wealthy and powerful criminals. The episode concludes with an examination of the impact that Ness and the Untouchables had on American law enforcement and culture, and how their legacy lives on to this day.