Ep 134. Prophet's Prey

In the Showtime Specials season 1 episode 134, titled 'Prophet's Prey', viewers are taken on a shocking and disturbing journey into the world of Warren Jeffs, the leader of the polygamous religious sect known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS).

At the center of the episode is Jeffs, a man who rose to power in the FLDS following the death of his father, Rulon Jeffs. Warren Jeffs became the self-proclaimed prophet and leader of the FLDS, and wielded immense control over his followers, many of whom were women and children.

Through interviews with former members of the FLDS, law enforcement officials, and experts on cults and extreme religions, the episode explores the tactics Jeffs used to maintain his grip on his followers. These included forced marriages, sexual abuse, brainwashing, and manipulation.

The episode also delves into the history of the FLDS and its roots in mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, from which it split off in the late 1800s due to disputes over the practice of polygamy. The FLDS continued to practice plural marriage and became increasingly insular over time, with Jeffs taking things to a new extreme with his control over every aspect of his followers' lives.

Viewers will hear firsthand accounts of the abuse and trauma inflicted upon members of the FLDS, including young girls who were forced into marriages with much older men. The episode doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Jeffs' influence, and is an eye-opening look at the dangers of cults and extreme religious groups.

Overall, 'Prophet's Prey' is a sobering reminder of the damage that can be wrought by charismatic leaders who use their power to manipulate and control vulnerable individuals and communities. The episode serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who may be at risk of falling under the sway of such a figure, and a call to action for those who seek to protect and empower survivors of such abuse.