Ep 2. Part 2: Rough Sex

In the second episode of The Preppy Murder: Death in Central Park season 1, viewers are taken deeper into the case surrounding the murder of Jennifer Levin. Aptly titled "Part 2: Rough Sex," this episode delves into the sexual relationship between Levin and her accused killer, Robert Chambers.

Through interviews with friends and acquaintances of Levin and Chambers, as well as expert analysis, the episode explores the culture of privilege and excess that existed in the late 1980s among young, wealthy professionals. Levin and Chambers were both part of this world, and their relationship was reportedly fueled by alcohol, drugs, and a mutual desire for uninhibited sexual experiences.

As investigators began to piece together the events leading up to Levin's death, they discovered that the encounter between Levin and Chambers in Central Park on the night of the murder was not as consensual as Chambers had initially claimed. Physical evidence supported the theory that Chambers had strangled Levin during rough sex, and the episode examines the ways in which that conclusion played out in both the media and the courtroom.

One of the key themes of this episode is the idea of victim blaming. Levin's sexual history was called into question during the trial, as defense attorneys sought to portray her as promiscuous and willing to engage in dangerous behavior. The episode contextualizes this approach within broader societal attitudes towards women's sexuality and consent, and explores the impact that these attitudes had on the outcome of the case.

Overall, "Part 2: Rough Sex" provides a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of a complex case that shook New York City in the late 1980s. Through interviews with those involved in the investigation and trial, as well as expert analysis of the cultural and societal factors at play, the episode offers a deeper understanding of the case and the issues it raised.