Hunting Hitler Season 1 Episode 5 Ratlines

In Hunting Hitler season 1 episode 5, titled "Ratlines," the team continues their investigation into the potential escape of Adolf Hitler from Berlin at the end of World War II. This time, they focus on the so-called "ratlines" that were used by Nazis to flee Europe and go into hiding following the collapse of the Third Reich.

The episode begins with the team meeting with a historian who has studied the ratlines extensively. He explains that after the war, various Catholic organizations set up networks to help Nazis escape to South America and other locations. Some of these organizations were even led by former Nazi officials themselves.

The team then travels to Rome, where they investigate the Vatican's potential involvement in the ratlines. They visit various buildings and archives looking for evidence, and speak with several experts on the topic. They learn that the Catholic Church's position during and after the war was complicated, and that some members of the Church were sympathetic to the Nazi cause.

Next, the team travels to Spain, where they focus on the role of General Franco's regime in aiding Nazis. They meet with a Spanish historian who shows them documents that suggest Franco was involved in helping Nazis escape to South America. They also visit a facility that was used to shelter escaping Nazis, and learn more about the conditions they faced.

After their investigation in Spain, the team returns to Berlin to meet with a former member of the Stasi, the East German secret police. He explains that the Stasi knew about the ratlines, and monitored them closely. He also reveals that there were rumors at the time that Hitler had escaped to Latin America, but that they were never able to confirm them.

The episode ends with the team returning to the United States to continue their investigation. They now have a better understanding of the networks that were used to help Nazis escape, and are closer than ever to uncovering the truth about Hitler's potential escape.