Ep 4. Dynamic Duo

Relentless with Kate Snow is a true-crime series that dives deep into some of the most compelling and shocking cases in recent history. In season 1 episode 4, titled "Dynamic Duo," Kate Snow investigates the story of two women who became notorious for their ruthless and violent crimes.

This episode centers around the case of Linda Taylor and Barbara Kogan, who were both convicted of heinous crimes in the 1980s. Linda Taylor was known as the "Welfare Queen" for her elaborate schemes to defraud the government of money meant for the poor. She was eventually arrested and convicted for kidnapping and murder, among other crimes. In contrast, Barbara Kogan was a wealthy socialite who hired a hitman to kill her husband in order to collect his life insurance payout.

The episode begins by introducing Linda Taylor, who was a master of manipulation and deception. She claimed to be a wealthy heiress and used her sharp wit and charisma to convince others of her lies. She became a notorious figure in the media, with tabloids running sensational headlines about her crimes and lifestyle. Eventually, she was linked to the abduction of a young boy and the murder of a woman, which led to her arrest.

The second half of the episode focuses on Barbara Kogan, who was a wealthy woman living a life of luxury in New York City. Her husband, George Kogan, was a successful businessman and philanthropist. However, Barbara was unhappy in her marriage and began an affair with a younger man. She eventually decided to have her husband killed, and hired a hitman for the job. The murder was carried out in a public place, and Barbara was eventually caught and convicted.

Throughout the episode, Kate Snow interviews various people involved in these cases, including the detectives who investigated the crimes and the family members of the victims. She also speaks with experts in criminology and psychology, who shed light on the motivations and behaviors of these women.

One of the key themes of this episode is the idea of privilege and entitlement. Both Linda Taylor and Barbara Kogan felt that they were entitled to live a certain lifestyle, and were willing to commit crimes to maintain that lifestyle. They were also able to manipulate others and evade detection due to their social status and wealth.

Another theme is the role of the media in shaping these stories. Linda Taylor became a notorious figure in the media, with tabloids portraying her as a monster who leeches off of the government. Barbara Kogan was also a subject of media attention, with the press digging into her personal life and motives for the murder of her husband.

Overall, "Dynamic Duo" is a riveting episode of Relentless with Kate Snow that explores the dark and disturbing crimes committed by two women who were driven by greed, entitlement, and a desire for power. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, the episode sheds light on the complex motivations and behaviors of these criminals, and raises important questions about the nature of crime and punishment in our society.