Ep 1. White Hat, Black Hat

American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing is a true-crime documentary series that revolves around the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that shook the world. The series features interviews with the first responders, witnesses, investigators, victims, and their families, as well as the survivors of the tragic incident. The show goes beyond just the bombing itself and gives viewers an in-depth look into the investigation that eventually led to the capture of the two brothers responsible for the attack.

Season 1 episode 1 is titled "White Hat, Black Hat". The episode begins on the morning of April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts. The city is buzzing with excitement as runners from all over the world arrive to participate in the Boston Marathon. The episode sets the scene with stunning visuals of the marathon route, jubilant crowds cheering on the runners, and the beautiful Boston skyline.

As the marathon is in full swing, we see two suspicious-looking men, later identified as Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, making their way through the crowd. The brothers are seen carrying backpacks and are acting in a manner that raises suspicion amongst the people around them.

The episode then switches to the moment when the bombs go off. We hear firsthand accounts from onlookers, runners, and first responders about the chaos that ensued. The bombs killed three people and injured over 200 more. Viewers are shown footage of the aftermath of the explosion which is graphic in nature.

The city of Boston is left stunned and confused, and there are no leads on who is responsible for the attack. The FBI takes charge of the investigation, and we see the massive manhunt that begins in the days following the bombing. The episode shows the various law enforcement agencies working together, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, all in an effort to identify the perpetrators.

The episode gives viewers an overview of the Tsarnaev brothers' background, their move to the United States, and their radicalization. We see their pictures released to the public, and the nation is left wondering who the two men are.

As the investigation progresses, the FBI releases pictures of two suspects, identified only as Black Hat and White Hat, who are believed to be involved in the bombing. The episode's title, "White Hat, Black Hat," comes from this moment, referencing the caps the two men were wearing at the time of the attack. The show delves into the false speculation that ensued, with viewers being offered an insight into the chaos and misinformation that accompanies this type of high-profile crime.

The episode shows the FBI receiving a tip from a civilian that leads them directly to the Tsarnaev brothers. It is at this point the manhunt comes to a climax, with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev killed and Tamerlan Tsarnaev fatally injured during a shootout with the police. The episode wraps up with an insight into the public reaction to the news of the Tsarnaev brothers being identified, with people taking to the streets to celebrate they had finally found the perpetrators of this despicable crime.

In conclusion, Season 1 episode 1 of American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing opens with the heartwarming image of a city coming together for a celebration before being plunged into the darkness of a horrific crime. The episode offers an inquiry into the manhunt and law enforcement investigation that followed the attack, culminating with the identification of the suspects. Episode one of the series offers a dynamic and emotional footage, promising the same level of insight and exploration of the tragedy for the succeeding episodes.