Ep 7. Show Us Your Face

In the seventh episode of I'll Be Gone in the Dark season 1, titled "Show Us Your Face," the focus shifts to the forensic evidence collected during the hunt for the Golden State Killer. This episode delves into the science of DNA and the crucial role it played in identifying the killer.

The episode opens with a glimpse into the early days of DNA testing, when the technique was in its infancy and the results were often unreliable. The show then explores how DNA evidence ultimately led to the capture of the Golden State Killer, more than 40 years after his first known rape and murder.

Viewers are introduced to Paul Holes, a retired detective who spent years working on the Golden State Killer case and came out of retirement to help solve it. Holes explains how he used a combination of DNA testing and traditional detective work to track down the killer, with a focus on the innovative techniques he used to narrow down the list of suspects.

The episode also includes interviews with scientists who played critical roles in developing the technology that made the Golden State Killer's capture possible. Viewers learn about the various methods used to collect and analyze DNA evidence, from the lab work involved to the legal and ethical considerations that come into play.

One of the most striking aspects of "Show Us Your Face" is its focus on the human stories behind the DNA evidence. Viewers meet survivors and family members of victims who share their deeply personal experiences of how the Golden State Killer has affected their lives. These emotional accounts help to ground the episode in the reality of the impact that this case has had on countless individuals and communities.

Throughout the episode, the show does an excellent job of illuminating the science of DNA testing without sacrificing its human element. This balance is a hallmark of I'll Be Gone in the Dark as a whole, and it is particularly effective in this installment.

Overall, "Show Us Your Face" is a compelling and informative episode that sheds light on one of the most groundbreaking criminal investigations in recent memory. It is a testament to the power of science and the resilience of survivors, and is not to be missed by fans of true crime.