Ep 1. Finding Vietnam's Lost POWs

In season 2 of What on Earth?, episode 1 titled "Finding Vietnam's Lost POWs," the team embarks on a mission to solve a decades-long mystery of missing prisoners of war (POWs) from the Vietnam War. The episode starts with the host, Steven Kearney, introducing the case to the viewers, explaining that nearly 3000 American servicemen were unaccounted for after the war ended in 1975. As the years went on, rumors and reports started surfacing that some of the POWs never made it back and were still being held captive in Vietnam or neighboring countries.

The episode showcases the efforts of various individuals and groups who have dedicated their lives to finding the missing servicemen. We meet Ann Mills Griffiths, the founder of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, who has been working on this issue since the 1970s. She shares her personal story and talks about the challenges faced by the families of the missing, who have to live with the uncertainty of their loved ones' fate.

The show also highlights technical advancements that have made it possible to search for clues in areas that were previously inaccessible. We see a team of archaeologists using LIDAR technology to map the dense forests of Laos, hoping to find any signs of human presence. The team explains that this approach allows them to see through the vegetation and uncover man-made structures such as roads, buildings, and potential burial sites.

The episode also covers the controversial issue of sightings of American POWs after the war. Several witnesses claim to have seen American soldiers in captivity in the years following the war, but the validity of these reports has always been questioned. The show interviews people who have investigated these sightings, including a former intelligence officer who claims to have received a message from a POW in 1988.

Throughout the episode, the team comes across various leads and pieces of evidence that could shed light on the fate of the missing servicemen. They inspect a cave system in Laos where a pilot's remains were found, hoping to find more evidence of where he was held captive. They also interview a former North Vietnamese soldier who claims to have seen American POWs in a prison camp, describing their living conditions and treatment.

The episode ends with a sense of hope as the team concludes that there are still avenues to pursue in the search for the missing servicemen. They emphasize the importance of not giving up and continuing to explore new leads. The host acknowledges that this is not just a historical issue but a humanitarian one, as the families of the missing still hold on to the hope that their loved ones may one day return home.

In summary, "Finding Vietnam's Lost POWs" is a compelling and emotional episode that sheds light on a topic that has been shrouded in mystery for decades. Through the use of advanced technology and interviews with key figures, viewers are given a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to solve this complex and heartbreaking puzzle. The episode offers hope that answers may still be found, providing closure for the families of the missing and honoring the sacrifices made by the servicemen who fought in the Vietnam War.