Ep 4. Playing with Fire

In the fourth episode of Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness season 1, entitled "Playing with Fire," the viewers are taken deeper into the chaotic world of Joe Exotic and his associates. The episode reveals the aftermath of Joe's failed gubernatorial campaign and the consequences of his actions.

The episode opens with news of Joe's campaign which received limited support and eventually led him to lose his position of power in the animal industry. The focus then shifts to the disappearance of Don Lewis, the millionaire husband of Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin. Joe, along with many others, believes that Carole had something to do with Don's disappearance and attempts to prove it by creating a music video which accuses her of murder.

The episode also explores the intense rivalry between Joe and Baskin and the lengths that they are willing to go to hurt each other. The two continue to launch attacks on each other online, and Joe grows more obsessed with taking down Baskin. In one shocking scene, Joe sets fire to a dumpster outside of Baskin's sanctuary in an attempt to scare her.

As tensions rise, the show introduces a new character to the story - Jeff Lowe. An eccentric businessman and big cat owner, Jeff enters the world of Joe Exotic and quickly becomes an ally of sorts. He offers to partner with Joe in their mutual dislike of Baskin and promises to provide the financial backing Joe needs to continue his fight.

The episode also discloses the legal troubles that Joe finds himself in. After firing a gun in a fit of rage during an argument, Joe is charged with a firearm violation and is sentenced to serve time in jail. However, Joe is not one to be easily deterred and continues running his zoo from behind bars.

As "Playing with Fire" draws to a close, the viewers are left with a sense of the rising tension and violence that will ultimately consume all of the central characters in the show. The episode sets the stage for the coming episodes and leaves the audience eager to see what will happen next.