Ep 3. Possible Bike Thief Caught in the Act in Portland

The thirteenth season of the popular television show What Would You Do?, hosted by John Quinones, has returned with another thought-provoking episode in which the hidden cameras capture the reactions of unsuspecting individuals as they witness different scenarios unfold in public. In the third episode of the season, titled Possible Bike Thief Caught in the Act in Portland, the show once again explores the notions of morality, ethics, and societal norms by presenting an intricate human experiment centered around a vulnerable, parked bike and a man who seemingly attempts to steal it.

The show's setting for this particular episode is the bustling and eclectic city of Portland, Oregon, known for its progressive and bike-friendly culture. To set up the scenario, the What Would You Do? team plants a bike in a busy public area and predicts that someone will attempt to steal it. After only a few minutes, their hypothesis is proven right when a man arrives on the scene and proceeds to use tools to tamper with the bike's lock. The cameras roll as the man cuts the lock and tries to take off with the bike. However, this is where the experiment gets interesting. Instead of simply stepping in to stop the theft, the team wants to see if anyone will take matters into their own hands and confront the would-be thief.

As the man struggles to make off with the stolen bike, the cameras capture various witnesses' reactions to the scene unfolding before their eyes. The first few people to notice the alleged crime are not bike enthusiasts themselves, but they express shock and disgust at what they see. One passerby even goes as far as to take out his phone to call the authorities while still keeping a careful eye on the man. Others simply walk on by, not wanting to get involved in what they perceive to be a dangerous situation.

However, the heart of this episode lies in those individuals who show their bravery and step in to confront the thief. One such hero is a young woman who approaches the man calmly and firmly demands that he return the bike to its rightful owner. She does not lose her cool despite the thief's aggressive and threatening behavior, and her determined actions inspire others nearby to join in and help foil the theft. Soon, over a dozen people have gathered around the bike to ensure that justice is served.

Throughout the episode, the show's hosts take breaks in the action to discuss the implications of what is happening. They ask questions such as "what would you do in this situation?" and consider how factors such as the location, the severity of the crime, and the mood of the atmosphere can affect people's behavior. They also address the dilemma of balancing one's own safety with the desire to do the right thing and protect others.

As the episode progresses, the biker thief is approached by more and more people who ask him to return the bike, until finally, a few good Samaritans track down the bike's true owner. When the team behind What Would You Do? finally reveal the ruse to the individuals involved, they are greeted with a mix of shock and relief. Some are surprised to find out that the whole situation was staged, while others are glad to find out that their instincts led them to do the right thing. In the end, the message of the episode is clear: it is up to each individual to decide whether they will be a bystander or a hero in situations where someone is in need.

Overall, this season thirteen episode of What Would You Do? offers a thrilling look into human behavior and highlights the importance of being willing to take a stand for what is right, even in situations where it may not be easy or popular to do so. The show's combination of humor, suspense, and human interest makes for a highly entertaining and thought-provoking viewing experience.