Ep 9. Bring Sean Home

Bring Sean Home is the ninth episode of the seventeenth season of the gripping true-crime show Dateline. In this episode, the show delves into the heart-wrenching story of David Goldman, whose son Sean was taken from him by his ex-wife Bruna eight years prior to the airing of the episode.

David Goldman married Bruna in 1999, and the couple had a son, Sean, in 2000. Not long after Sean's birth, Bruna and David's marriage began to falter, and by 2004, Bruna had taken Sean from the couple's home in New Jersey and fled to her native Brazil. David was left devastated, and for the next eight years, he fought tirelessly to be reunited with his son.

The episode begins by introducing the viewer to David and Sean, who was a bright, active boy with a love of soccer. We see footage of the two of them playing together, and it's clear that David is a devoted father who would do anything for his son. He tells the story of how Bruna left with Sean, and how he immediately began working to get him back. We see footage of David appearing on TV, speaking in front of the US Congress, and working with lawyers and government officials to try to secure Sean's return.

As the years go by, David's situation becomes more and more difficult. Brazilian law is notoriously complex when it comes to child custody cases, and David struggles to navigate the system. Moreover, Bruna begins to make false accusations against David, claiming that he was abusive and that Sean didn't want to return to the US. These accusations are difficult for David to fight, as he is thousands of miles away and has few resources at his disposal.

The episode also interviews various people involved in the case, including David's lawyer and Brazilian government officials. We learn about the legal mechanisms that were available to David, and about the various challenges that he faced. We also hear from Bruna, who speaks via phone from Brazil. Her perspective is fascinating, as she believes that she did the right thing by taking Sean and that David was not a fit father. She is unapologetic about her actions and views David as an aggressor who is trying to harm her and her son.

As the episode progresses, we see David's situation become increasingly desperate. He begins to feel as though he is fighting a losing battle, and starts to question whether he will ever see his son again. But despite his doubts and struggles, David never gives up. He continues to work tirelessly to get Sean back, and never loses hope that one day they will be reunited.

In the final act of the episode, the story takes a surprising turn. We won't give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say that the ending is both emotional and satisfying. The viewer is left with a sense of awe at David's determination, and of admiration for his love for his son. Bring Sean Home is a touching and thought-provoking episode that shines a light on the complexities of international child custody cases, and on the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It's a must-watch for anyone who is interested in true crime or in the power of the family bond.