Ep 4. Crimes and Cults

In episode 4 of The Seventies season 1, titled "Crimes and Cults," viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most notorious criminal cases and cults of the decade.

The episode opens with the story of Charles Manson and his infamous "family" of followers. Through interviews with individuals who were close to Manson and members of law enforcement who investigated the case, viewers gain insight into Manson's twisted worldview and the brutal murders his followers committed.

The episode then shifts to the story of the Son of Sam, a serial killer who terrorized New York City in the mid-1970s. Through interviews with survivors and family members of victims, as well as news footage and police audio recordings, viewers are given a chilling glimpse into the mind of a cold-blooded killer.

Next, the episode explores the rise of the Jonestown cult, led by Jim Jones. Through interviews with former members of the cult and experts in the field of cult psychology, viewers learn about the methods Jones used to manipulate his followers, the events that led to the infamous mass suicide in Jonestown, and the aftermath of the tragedy.

The episode also delves into lesser known cases such as the story of the Zebra killers, a group of black militants in San Francisco who murdered innocent victims as part of their mission to instigate a race war, and the story of Patty Hearst, the heiress who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army and eventually joined their ranks.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a sense of the social and cultural climate of the 1970s that contributed to the rise of these crimes and cults. From political unrest and civil rights movements to the prevalence of drugs and the rise of the counterculture, the decade was rife with instability and change.

Despite the darkness and brutality of the subject matter, the episode also offers moments of hope and resilience, highlighting the bravery of law enforcement officials who risked their lives to bring these criminals to justice and the resilience of survivors who were able to overcome immense trauma.

Overall, "Crimes and Cults" is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at some of the most notorious criminal cases and cults of the 1970s, offering a glimpse into a tumultuous and often terrifying decade in American history.