Ep 3. Charles Manson: The Devil's Work, Part 1

Charles Manson: The Devil's Work, Part 1 is the third episode of the first season of Very Scary People. The episode delves into the twisted mind and heinous crimes of one of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century, Charles Manson.

The episode begins by giving a brief overview of Manson's childhood and his troubled upbringing. Manson's mother was an alcoholic and he was in and out of juvenile detention centers from a young age. Manson's difficult upbringing paved the way for a life of crime and manipulation.

The documentary then goes on to detail Manson's infamous "family" and their heinous murders. Manson had a cult-like following of young people, whom he manipulated into carrying out his every command. The family lived together on a ranch in California, where they indulged in drug use and free love. Manson convinced his followers that he was a messiah figure and that he was meant to lead them in an apocalyptic race war.

The murders committed by Manson and his followers were gruesome and senseless. In August of 1969, Manson ordered four of his followers to break into the home of Sharon Tate, a pregnant actress married to director Roman Polanski. The followers brutally murdered Tate, along with four others who were in the home at the time. The following night, Manson and his followers went on to murder a wealthy couple in their home. The murders were carried out in a savage and ritualistic manner, with Manson claiming to have instructed his followers to leave specific symbols at the scene of the crime.

The episode also touches on the high-profile trial that followed Manson's arrest. Manson famously carved an "X" into his forehead during the trial and the media frenzy surrounding the case only served to heighten his notoriety. Though Manson and his followers were ultimately convicted of the murders, their actions left a permanent scar on American culture.

Throughout the episode, experts weigh in on Manson's motivations and the psychology behind his heinous crimes. The show also includes interviews with those who were impacted by Manson's actions, including Tate's sister.

Overall, Charles Manson: The Devil's Work, Part 1 is a chilling and disturbing look at one of the most evil figures in American history. The episode provides a thorough overview of Manson's life and crimes, while also delving into the psychological aspects of his twisted personality. It sets the tone for the rest of the series, which continues to explore the dark and disturbing world of some of the most terrifying criminals in history.