Ep 1. The Beneath Truth

The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann is a true crime documentary series that takes a close look at the case of Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old British girl who went missing while on vacation with her family in Portugal in 2007. In season 1 episode 1, titled "The Beneath Truth," the series begins with an introduction to the case and the events leading up to Madeleine's disappearance.

The episode starts with a brief recap of the events of May 3, 2007, when Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in the resort town of Praia da Luz. The McCanns and their friends had left Madeleine and her younger twin siblings alone in the apartment while they ate dinner at a nearby restaurant. When they returned around 10 p.m., they discovered that Madeleine was missing.

The police were called, and a massive search was launched for the missing toddler. However, despite the efforts of the Portuguese authorities and international media attention, Madeleine was never found. In fact, the case remains unsolved to this day, and the McCanns themselves have become the subject of intense scrutiny.

The bulk of "The Beneath Truth" focuses on the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. The episode features interviews with key players in the case, including former Portuguese police officers, journalists who covered the case, and members of the McCann family.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the portrayal of the Portuguese police investigation. The police initially treated Madeleine's disappearance as a possible kidnapping, but quickly began to question the McCanns' story. They brought in sniffer dogs to search the apartment and rental car used by the McCanns, which allegedly detected traces of Madeleine's DNA. However, as the episode points out, this evidence is far from conclusive. It's also worth noting that the Portuguese police were criticized for mishandling the investigation and allowing vital evidence to go uncollected.

Another intriguing part of "The Beneath Truth" is the role of the media in the case. The episode shows how the British press, in particular, became obsessed with the story, with some reporters camping out in Praia da Luz for months. Some members of the press were accused of sensationalizing the case and even spreading false rumors about the McCanns.

Throughout the episode, the McCanns themselves are portrayed as sympathetic figures. The emotional toll of their daughter's disappearance is clear, and they come across as genuinely committed to finding answers. However, there are also hints of the controversy that would later surround the case. For example, the episode briefly mentions allegations that the McCanns were involved in their daughter's disappearance, though these claims are not explored in detail.

Overall, "The Beneath Truth" sets the stage for the rest of the series. It provides a thorough overview of the case and the various players involved, while also highlighting the many unanswered questions that continue to haunt the investigation. While the episode doesn't provide any definitive conclusions, it sets the tone for a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most perplexing missing persons cases of recent years.