Ep 1. Part 1

Waco: Madman or Messiah is a six-part miniseries that explores the 1993 Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Texas. The series goes deep into the events leading up to the fiery conclusion of the 51-day standoff between David Koresh and federal agents from the ATF and FBI.

In episode one, titled "Part 1," viewers are taken back in time to the origins of David Koresh's cult. The episode begins with a brief scene of the 1993 fire before rewinding to 1981. Here we meet Vernon Howell, a rock musician from Houston, Texas, who would eventually change his name to David Koresh.

Viewers see the evolution of Koresh's apocalyptic message and his rise to power within the Branch Davidian cult. We meet his loyal followers, who were drawn into his web of prophecy and convinced that he was the messiah. Koresh's teachings were a mix of Seventh-Day Adventist theology, conspiracy theories, and his own interpretations of scripture.

The episode also explores the beliefs and practices of the Branch Davidians. We see their daily routines and learn about their devotion to Koresh. We even get a glimpse of their complex family structures, which included polygamy and child brides.

The government's initial involvement in the Branch Davidians is shown through news footage from the time. We see the ATF raid on February 28, 1993, which resulted in a shoot-out and the death of four agents and six Branch Davidians. The agents withdrew from the scene, and a 51-day standoff ensued, with the FBI taking over negotiations.

"Part 1" ends with the FBI's first attempt to force Koresh and his followers out of the compound. They started playing loud music and shining bright lights on the building in an attempt to break the group's will. However, this provoked no response from the Branch Davidians.

Throughout the episode, interviews with former Branch Davidians, government officials, and experts provide insight into the events. We hear from people who were inside the compound during the standoff, and they recount what it was like to be trapped inside with Koresh and his followers. The officials involved in the siege describe the tense negotiations and the difficult decisions that had to be made. Experts give their analysis of the Waco siege and its aftermath.

"Part 1" leaves viewers with a vivid portrayal of the religious fervor and collective insanity that led to the Waco siege. The episode also gives viewers a glimpse into the early stages of the standoff and lays the groundwork for what's to come in subsequent episodes.

Overall, "Part 1" sets the tone for the rest of the series, which promises to be a deep dive into one of the most controversial events in American history.