Ep 2. Cult of Personality

As we dive deeper into the world of big cat lovers, episode 2 of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness titled Cult of Personality, focuses on the twisted dynamic between Joe Exotic and his right-hand man-turned-nemesis, Jeff Lowe.

The episode begins with Jeff Lowe arriving at Joe's zoo and immediately establishing dominance over the other employees. He refers to Joe as "the help" and wastes no time asserting himself as the new boss. Jeff's arrival also brings with him his wife, Lauren, who immediately catches Joe's eye. The two begin a flirtatious relationship that only adds fuel to the already fiery situation at the zoo.

As Jeff and Lauren settle in, we learn more about their background. Jeff is a wealthy businessman from Las Vegas, with a history of shady dealings and legal troubles. He claims to be a big cat lover but seems more interested in making a profit off the animals than actually caring for them. Lauren, on the other hand, has no experience with big cats but quickly learns the ropes and becomes a key player in Jeff's plans to take over the zoo.

Joe, who was once thrilled to have Jeff and his money on board, quickly begins to resent him. Jeff is constantly criticizing Joe's methods and making changes to the zoo that don't sit well with him. Joe is also jealous of the attention Lauren gives Jeff, and their relationship quickly becomes a source of tension between the two men.

While all this is happening, we also delve deeper into Joe's own cult of personality. He has a loyal following of fans who visit the zoo and worship him like a celebrity. Joe himself is a self-proclaimed "gay, gun-toting cowboy," who shows off his flamboyant outfits and guns throughout the episode. He also makes music videos with his own original songs, which he performs in outrageous outfits with tigers in the background.

Joe's cult of personality is further exemplified by his relationship with his employees. He sees them as his family, but also has a power dynamic over them that borders on abusive. He pays them very little but demands their loyalty and willingness to do whatever he asks, including taking part in his political campaign for president. We see one employee in particular, Travis, who is a troubled young man that is easily swayed by Joe's charisma.

As tensions continue to rise at the zoo, Jeff and Joe's relationship takes a turn for the worse. Jeff has a plan to move the animals to a different location and turn the zoo into a party venue, much to Joe's dismay. Joe realizes too late that he has made a deal with the devil and is now at Jeff's mercy. Jeff takes over the zoo and begins making changes that Joe never would have allowed.

This episode highlights the dangerous mix of ego, money, and exotic animals that attract people like Joe and Jeff. Both men are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their power and control, even if it means exploiting animals and manipulating those around them. The episode also shows the darker side of Joe's cult of personality, and how it can lead to a toxic and abusive environment for his employees.

Overall, Cult of Personality is another gripping and engaging episode of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. It furthers the already intriguing storyline while introducing new characters and conflicts. The bizarre and shocking world of big cat lovers continues to unfold, leaving viewers both fascinated and disturbed.