Ep 55. Growing Hope

Growing Hope is the season 23, episode 55 of Dateline, a popular true crime series that features in-depth interviews, case archives, and news-style storytelling.

In this episode, we're taken on a journey through a case involving a young woman named Kristin Smart. Kristin was a 19-year-old student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo when she disappeared without a trace in 1996. Despite extensive searches and investigations, no one could find a single trace of what had happened to Kristin, and the case went cold.

For nearly two decades, Kristin's family was left in the dark about what could have possibly happened to her. Then, in 2016, a break in the case provided new hope. Authorities announced that they had found new evidence that could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Growing Hope dives deep into the investigation and explores the clues that have surfaced over the years. Viewers see interviews with Kristin's family, who have long been fighting for answers and justice, as well as investigators who have dedicated their lives to finding out what happened to Kristin.

The episode also features interviews with local reporters, who have been covering Kristin's case since day one, as well as legal experts who offer insight into the legal battle that has been raging for years.

The mystery of Kristin's disappearance is finally solved in this episode, in part due to the persistent efforts of the investigators and the unwavering determination of Kristin's family.

The episode touches on the powerful ways in which hope can drive a family to keep pushing for answers, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. As we see in Growing Hope, Kristin's family never gave up hope, and their commitment to finding out what happened to their beloved daughter, sister, and friend helped fuel the investigation that ultimately led to answers and closure.

Overall, Growing Hope is an emotional and powerful episode of Dateline that highlights the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult things may seem. Viewers will be inspired by the hope and determination of Kristin's family and the tremendous work of the investigators who made a breakthrough in this case.