Ep 1. Without a Trace

In The Tesla Files season 1 episode 1, titled "Without a Trace," viewers are introduced to investigative journalist, Christof Putzel, and his team as they set out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Nikola Tesla's personal files and research materials. The episode opens with a brief history of Tesla and his revolutionary inventions that have changed the world, including alternating current electricity.

Putzel then dives into the intriguing story of Tesla's missing papers, which have been long sought after by governments, corporations, and historical enthusiasts alike. The journalist believes that the key to understanding the brilliant inventor and his work lies within these elusive documents. The episode takes the viewers on a journey as the team visits locations where Tesla's archives have been rumored to exist, and interviews experts who have dedicated their lives to studying Tesla's work.

The investigative team's first lead takes them to the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia. They meet with the museum director, who shows them a small portion of the collection that they have on display. However, the most valuable papers are kept under lock and key, and the director explains that they are not available for public viewing and are closely guarded at all times. Despite the setbacks, Putzel is determined to find a way to access the archives and follows up on tips about a possible location in a New York City warehouse.

The team uncovers a surprising history behind Tesla's documents' disappearance, as they delve into the inventor's rivalry with Thomas Edison and J.P. Morgan, who financed the construction of the Wardenclyffe Tower- a large-scale laboratory that would make wireless communication possible. However, after learning about the true purpose of the project, Morgan became wary of its potential for disrupting his financial interests and ultimately cut funding. As a result, Tesla was forced to sell off his personal archives to pay off debts, and the fate of these documents became a mystery.

Throughout the episode, the investigative team interviews experts who specialize in forensic analysis, libraries, and Tesla enthusiasts who provide their own theories on where the archives may have ended up. They explore various leads, including a university in Los Angeles and a government research facility in Maryland, but so far, no concrete evidence has been found. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as Putzel learns of a potentially significant development that may lead him closer to the truth.

Without a Trace is an intriguing episode that successfully hooks the viewers with the tantalizing mystery of Nikola Tesla's missing archives. The investigative team's journey is packed with twists and turns, and the way the story is told makes it impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of the search. The episode accomplishes an impressive feat- it humanizes Nikola Tesla, who has become somewhat of a mythical figure. Putzel's explanations of what made Tesla's work so revolutionary and the influence it had on society in the early 20th century are both captivating and informative. Overall, Without a Trace sets up the rest of The Tesla Files series, with audiences eagerly anticipating the next episode.