Ep 7. The Conclusion

The Keepers season 1 episode 7, titled "The Conclusion," brings the complex and heart-wrenching story to an end. The seven-part documentary delves into the murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a beloved nun who disappeared in 1969 in Baltimore. Over the years, her death remained a mystery until two former students of her at Archbishop Keough High School decided to reveal the sexual abuse that happened to them by priests and their attempts to investigate Sister Catherine's murder.

In episode 7, viewers see the culmination of the survivors' tireless efforts to get to the bottom of the crimes committed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The episode starts off with Jean Wehner, one of Cesnik's former students, preparing herself for the final hearing, which is significant in their quest for justice. Wehner appears resolute and determined, ready to fight against the centuries-old culture of covering up abuse.

In this episode, the viewers get to see conversations with former victims of Hogan and Maskell, who testify about their painful experiences. The stories detailing the abuse at the hands of the Catholic Church's clergy continue to be shocking and gut-wrenching even after hearing them in the other episodes. The abuse, which includes sexual, physical, and emotional, never seems to end.

As the investigation continues, the show's creators have done a commendable job of highlighting the institutional obstacles Innocent survivors face when seeking justice against an institution. The institutional obstacles are the leaders' reluctance to own up to the scandal or to hold those accountable. The sheer magnitude of the tragedy and the church's denial seems too overwhelming to bear.

Despite these challenges, the documentary is not all dark and gloomy. The finale brings an element of optimism to the story as the survivors finally get some of the resolution they deserve. The episode's events serve as a powerful reminder of the church's immeasurable harm to the victims.

The Keepers season 1 episode 7, "The Conclusion," closes one chapter in the story of the survivors' quest for truth and justice. However, as the episode concludes, it leaves open the continued need for justice and the question of accountability. The journey to heal from trauma may have ended, but the journey towards accountability and reform concerning the Catholic Church's abuses by its clergy still remains. In the end, The Keepers serves as a warning to have transparency and accountability in these types of institutions to uplift and safeguard the vulnerable members of society.