Ep 17. DC Madam

The seventeenth episode of How It Really Happened's first season is titled "DC Madam." The episode delves into the life of Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who was better known as the "DC Madam." Palfrey was the owner of a high-end escort service that operated in the Washington D.C. area between 1993 and 2006. The service boasted clients from all walks of life, including high-level politicians, government officials, and CEOs.

The episode starts with the discovery of Palfrey's body in May of 2008, just a couple of weeks after she was found guilty of racketeering and money laundering charges connected to her escort service. The incident raised questions about whether her death was a suicide or a murder, and the show investigates the different theories that surrounded the case.

One theory that emerged was that Palfrey was murdered by someone who didn't want her to divulge the names of her high-profile clients. Another theory was that she committed suicide as a result of the prison sentence she was facing. The show examines the evidence that supports each of these theories, including Palfrey's behavior in the days leading up to her death and the presence of two suicide notes in her home.

The episode also provides insight into Palfrey's background and how she got involved in the escort business. Palfrey grew up in an abusive household and she married at a young age to escape it. However, her marriage was also abusive, and she divorced her husband soon after. She moved to California and worked in a number of different jobs before starting her own escort service.

The show also explores the reaction of Palfrey's clients to her arrest and trial. Some of them came forward to testify in her defense, while others denied ever having used her services. The episode includes interviews with some of Palfrey's former clients, who provide their perspective on the case and the impact it had on their lives.

Throughout the episode, the show presents the different sides of the DC Madam case and the controversy it sparked. It raises important questions about the morality and legality of prostitution, and how it intersects with power dynamics and politics. Ultimately, the episode leaves viewers to draw their own conclusions about what really happened to Deborah Jeane Palfrey.

In conclusion, the seventeenth episode of How It Really Happened's first season is a compelling exploration of the DC Madam case. With a mix of interviews, archival footage, and narration, the show provides a balanced and nuanced perspective on a controversial and complex topic. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, politics, and the human condition.