Ep 2. Hannibal

In season 2 episode 2 of CopyCat Killers, titled "Hannibal," viewers are taken through the chilling story of a young man who becomes obsessed with notorious cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, and proceeds to carry out his own heinous crimes in a twisted attempt to emulate his idol.

In this episode, viewers are introduced to Mark Twitchell, a young filmmaker who aspires to make it big in the movie industry. However, as his financial struggles and mounting debts begin to take their toll, Mark begins to spiral out of control. He becomes increasingly fixated on the character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the fictional serial killer from the acclaimed book and movie series "The Silence of the Lambs." As he delves deeper into the world of Hannibal, Mark begins to blur the lines between fiction and reality, and develops a disturbing fascination with the idea of becoming a serial killer himself.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken through the meticulous planning and execution of Mark's crimes, including his use of dating websites to lure his victims to his garage, where he could torture and murder them in private. He even goes so far as to design a custom-made suit that he believes will make him resemble Hannibal Lecter, complete with a mask and surgical gloves.

Throughout the episode, interviews with detectives and experts shed light on Mark's psychological state and the factors that led him down such a twisted path. They discuss the concept of copycat killers, and the danger of those who become obsessed with the violent acts of others.

In the end, "Hannibal" is a haunting and unsettling episode that showcases the devastating effect that media and pop culture can have on vulnerable individuals. The story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, and the need to protect those who may be at risk of falling prey to dangerous obsessions and behaviors.