Ep 8. Buying a Town

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath season 3 episode 8, titled "Buying a Town," focuses on a disturbing account of Scientology’s influence on the residents of Clearwater, Florida. The small coastal town serves as the church’s global headquarters and has been dominated by Scientology for decades. Former members of the church and local residents detail the impact the organization has had on Clearwater’s political, social, and economic landscape.

The episode begins by exploring the history of Clearwater and how Scientology came to establish its presence in the town. Interviews with former members reveal the tactics used by the church to infiltrate local government and businesses, including buying up large swaths of downtown real estate and using front groups to promote their interests. Viewers also learn about L. Ron Hubbard’s notorious policy of "Fair Game," which he established in the 1960s as a means of targeting those who spoke out against Scientology.

Throughout the episode, Leah Remini interviews several former members of Scientology who were involved in the organization’s operations in Clearwater. One such individual, Mark Fisher, was part of a team sent by the church to infiltrate local government in the early 1990s. Fisher describes how he was tasked with gathering information about local politicians and using that information to gain influence and support for Scientology’s interests. He also speaks about the culture of secrecy and intimidation within the church, which made it nearly impossible for him to leave.

Other former members speak about the psychological and emotional toll of living in Clearwater under Scientology’s influence. Some describe feeling constantly monitored and surveilled, while others detail the process of "disconnection" from loved ones who left the church. Throughout the episode, Leah Remini underscores the point that Scientology’s tactics aren’t just harmful to those directly involved in the organization, but to the entire community.

The episode also examines the impact of Scientology’s presence on Clearwater’s economy. Interviews with local business owners reveal the significant amount of business done with the church and the fear of retribution from Scientology if they speak out against it. In one particularly chilling anecdote, one former member describes being tasked with finding a location for the Purification Rundown, Scientology’s controversial drug detoxification program, and how it resulted in the closure of a popular local restaurant.

As always, Leah Remini provides a powerful commentary about the issue being explored in the episode. She reflects on the importance of speaking out against Scientology’s abuses and highlights the courage of those who have come forward to expose the organization’s practices. She also speaks to the larger issue of the need for oversight and regulation of religious organizations in general.

Overall, "Buying a Town" is another powerful episode of Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Scientology’s controversial history. By focusing on the impact of the organization on a single community, the episode provides a compelling case for why it’s important to speak out against abuses of power in all forms.