Ep 1. The Redwood Curtain

In the first episode of Murder Mountain, titled "The Redwood Curtain," viewers are introduced to Humboldt County, California, a remote and rugged region known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving cannabis industry. The episode begins with an overview of the area's history, including the influx of hippies and back-to-the-landers in the 1960s and 70s, and the subsequent rise of the cannabis trade.

We are then introduced to Garrett Rodriguez, a young man who has gone missing in the area. Garrett's father, who lives in San Diego, is desperate to find his son and has been searching for him for months. He decides to travel to Humboldt County to investigate on his own, and the episode follows his journey as he meets with law enforcement, locals, and other concerned individuals in an attempt to piece together what happened to his son.

Along the way, we meet a cast of characters who are deeply embedded in the region's cannabis culture. There are the growers, who cultivate the marijuana that is so highly prized in California and beyond. There are the trimmers, who painstakingly harvest and prepare the buds for sale. And there are the "trimmigrants," a constant stream of young people who come to the area during the harvest season to make money and experience the lifestyle.

The episode delves into the complex social and economic factors that underpin the cannabis trade in Humboldt County. These include the area's isolation, poverty, and lack of viable employment opportunities, as well as the ongoing tension between the growers and law enforcement. We learn about the risks and rewards of working in the industry, and the various challenges and dangers that those involved face on a daily basis.

As the search for Garrett continues, tensions begin to mount. His father receives conflicting information from different sources, and it becomes clear that there are those who are unwilling to talk or provide information about what they know. The episode ends on a note of uncertainty, with the fate of Garrett Rodriguez still unknown.

Overall, "The Redwood Curtain" provides a compelling introduction to the world of Murder Mountain, painting a vivid picture of a unique and highly complex culture. Through its examination of one family's search for answers, the episode raises important questions about the consequences of an industry that has operated in the shadows for too long.