Wild Crime

The first season of Wild Crimes is about the death of Toni Henthorn. You may have seen this on one or more of the news magazine network shows. This is the most fleshed out portrait of convicted murderer Harold Hawthorn. I recommend this only if a deeper dive is of interest.

The second season episodes of the series Wild Crime keys on a random discovery of a human forearm in Yellowstone Park. After further searching fails to turn up additional evidence park rangers were left with a mystery. Who, when, how, and by whom would be like a puzzle with scant pieces to work with. Time, technology, and many people's long-standing efforts create an amazing journey of twists and turns In the end it is compelling for what was found and the likely way it happened.

With the above said, these 5 episodes play out like a book. By this I mean slow and steady. The high-points would be able to be condesnsed, but then it would just be a crime story. Here the writers and director show all of the principal players in depth. The viewer will feel as if you know these people and the climate of their lives as all intersect. It is crucial to understanding of a murder leaving scant evidence to go on. This crime could have easily remained a big unknown, yet so much eventually fell into place whereby not only the victim is identified, but also a likely scenario of how a particular perpetrator rises to the fore. Adding to this is it most likely can never be positively solved in one crucial aspect of if the most likely suspect actually did it. I like to think, "this was a book worth watching".

A good documentary, but like many others it is far too long and constant repetition of events. The creators could have made it at least one episode shorter. Another thing that bothers me a little is the child being exploited both by name and photo, that would have been unthinkable in my country. I really hope this is not something that affects her further.

I really enjoyed the first season but the second season is even better. Couldn't take my eyes off the screen and wanted to watch the next episode immediately. Very interesting case and they have interviews with all those involved. How they track down the identity from just the remains is fascinating and hats off to those who must have spent countless hours researching the genealogy. Hats off also to all the law enforcement who never gave up. The show has a very high production value, well edited and shot with really well done reenactments and great cinematography of Yosemite valley as well. Hope that there is another season.

Watching this program was a chilling experience, but I learned so much about human nature. The family members and agents that shared their feelings and thoughts sent a signal to all of us to watch out for red flags in the relationships of our loved ones. I think they have helped prevent crimes in the future.

As a woman and therapist I'd like to give the last instalment of this brilliant, but haunting series a warning. Don't carry on watching this if it makes you feel uncomfortable at the beginning as it only gets worse and is the stuff nightmares are made off. My sincere admiration for the dedicated specialists working on these cases and thank you for doing so. To listen and somehow trying to make sense of these harrowing accounts takes a very strong heart and mind. I do hope and pray that these people get the support they need. It is an important job to understand the origins of those deprived behaviours and hopefully to be able to intervene at source. That would mostly be the social services looking at the child's situation at home.