Ep 1. Killer Lies

In the first episode of Most Evil season 1, entitled "Killer Lies," forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Stone explores the science behind the lies that some of the world's most notorious killers have told.

Dr. Stone begins by discussing the concept of "malingering," or feigning mental illness, which some killers have used to try to avoid punishment for their crimes. He then examines the case of Karla Homolka and Paul Bernardo, a Canadian couple who kidnapped, raped, and murdered three young girls in the early 1990s. Homolka initially claimed that she was an unwilling participant in the crimes, but later admitted that she was a willing and enthusiastic accomplice. Dr. Stone analyzes the couple's interviews with police and media, looking for signs of deception.

Next, Dr. Stone discusses the case of John List, who murdered his wife, mother, and three children in 1971 before disappearing for 18 years. When List was finally caught, he claimed that he had committed the murders because he believed his family's spiritual well-being was threatened. Dr. Stone explores the validity of List's claims and looks for evidence of other motives.

Finally, Dr. Stone examines the case of Ed Gein, who inspired the fictional characters Norman Bates in "Psycho" and Leatherface in "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Gein was convicted of killing two women in the 1950s, but he also admitted to grave-robbing and creating objects from human body parts. Dr. Stone studies Gein's interviews with police and tries to determine whether his claims of necrophilia and cannibalism were genuine or simply an attempt to shock and horrify.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Stone uses his expertise in forensic psychiatry to analyze the behavior and thoughts of these notorious killers. He delves into the psychology behind their lies and looks for clues that could shed light on their true motives and intentions. By exploring the complex web of truth and deception that surrounds these cases, Dr. Stone offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of some of the most deadly criminals in history.