Ep 2. The School

The Keepers season 1 episode 2, titled "The School," continues the investigation into the unsolved murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik. This episode focuses on the Catholic high school where Sister Cathy taught and the individuals who may have had a motive to harm her.

The episode begins by providing background information on the church and school's history. The school, Archbishop Keough, was known for its strict discipline and abusive staff members. Several former students, many of whom were interviewed by the filmmakers, claim that they were sexually assaulted by the school's chaplain, Father Maskell.

The filmmakers also introduce a new character, Jean Wehner. Jean attended Archbishop Keough and claims to have been abused by Father Maskell, as well as being a witness to Sister Cathy's murder. She describes being taken to a wooded area by Maskell and seeing Sister Cathy's body lying on the ground. Although Jean's story is compelling, the police at the time of Sister Cathy's murder did not consider her a credible witness due to her history of mental illness.

The episode then shifts to the investigation into Sister Cathy's murder. The filmmakers interview two retired police officers who worked on the case, uncovering new information about the investigation. They reveal that there were multiple suspects in the case, including a man named Edgar Davidson who had a history of violence and had made threats against Sister Cathy in the past. Despite this, the police did not pursue Davidson as a suspect at the time.

The episode also explores the possibility that Sister Cathy was murdered because she knew too much about the church's involvement in sexual abuse. Several former students and staff members claim that she was aware of Father Maskell's abuse and was planning to go to the authorities. They believe that the church may have had a motive to silence her.

The episode ends with the filmmakers interviewing two women who claim to have been sexually abused by Father Maskell as children. They describe the trauma they experienced and the impact it had on their lives. They also express frustration at the lack of accountability from the church and the legal system for the abuse they suffered.

Overall, "The School" is a powerful and compelling episode that sheds light on the culture of abuse in the Catholic Church and the systemic failures that allowed it to continue for so long. It raises important questions about the role of institutions in protecting perpetrators of sexual abuse and the impact of abuse on survivors. The episode leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment of the investigation.