Murderers and their Mothers Season 1 Episode 6 Dennis Nilsen: The Kindly Killer

Dennis Nilsen is infamous for being one of Britain's most notorious serial killers, with a total body count of 12 young men. This episode of Murderers and their Mothers takes an in-depth look at Nilsen's troubled childhood and explores the relationship he had with his mother Betty.

The episode begins by delving into Nilsen's early life, revealing that he was often the victim of physical and emotional abuse from his grandfather. His mother, Betty, who was an alcoholic, struggled to cope with her son's upbringing and often left him in the care of his grandparents. Nilsen was also a victim of bullying at school, which only made him feel more isolated and alone.

As a young adult, Nilsen served in the army and later found employment as a police officer, but he struggled with alcoholism and loneliness. He eventually moved to London, where he began his killing spree. He would lure young men back to his flat, where he killed them and disposed of their bodies by burning them or burying them in his garden.

The episode includes interviews with Nilsen's former colleagues, who describe him as a quiet and unassuming man. It also features interviews with psychiatrists and criminologists, who attempt to understand what drove Nilsen to commit such heinous acts. They suggest that his troubled childhood and unresolved issues with his mother may have played a significant role in his actions.

The episode also includes interviews with some of Nilsen's surviving victims, who recount their terrifying experiences at his hands. Their stories are chilling, and it's clear that Nilsen's crimes had a profound impact on their lives.

Throughout the episode, there is a sense of sadness and despair as the viewer witnesses the devastating effect Nilsen's actions had on those around him. Betty, his mother, is portrayed as a woman who struggled with alcoholism and who was distant from her son. It's clear that her relationship with Nilsen was strained, and she struggled to connect with him on an emotional level.

As the episode comes to a close, the viewer is left with a sense of unease. Nilsen's actions were truly horrific, and it's hard to comprehend how someone could do such things. The episode raises important questions about the influence our parents have on us and the impact of childhood trauma. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of one of Britain's most infamous killers.