Ep 6. Ed Kemper: The Co-ed Killer

First Blood season 1 episode 6 "Ed Kemper: The Co-ed Killer" is a chilling exploration of one of America's most notorious serial killers. Ed Kemper, also known as the Co-ed Killer, was responsible for a string of murders in California between 1964 and 1973.

The episode delves into Kemper's early life, which was marked by abuse, neglect, and social isolation. Kemper was a large and intimidating presence from an early age, and his size and intelligence made him an easy target for bullies. He was also subjected to emotional and psychological abuse from his mother, who had a deeply dysfunctional relationship with her son.

As a teenager, Kemper's violent tendencies began to emerge. He killed his grandparents when he was just 15 years old, and was committed to a juvenile facility for the criminally insane. There, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and subjected to extensive therapy and medication.

Despite this treatment, Kemper was released back into society as an adult. He soon resumed his violent ways, preying on young women who were hitchhiking or waiting for a ride. He would lure them into his car, then take them to a secluded area where he would brutally assault and kill them.

The episode includes interviews with surviving victims, as well as experts in criminology and psychology who offer insight into Kemper's twisted psyche. They describe him as a classic psychopath, with a combination of charming, manipulative behavior and a deep-seated need for control and domination.

Kemper's killing spree came to an end in 1973, when he turned himself in to the police. He confessed to eight murders in total, including those of his grandparents, and was sentenced to life in prison. Despite his heinous crimes, Kemper has remained a subject of fascination for true crime enthusiasts and researchers.

Overall, First Blood season 1 episode 6 "Ed Kemper: The Co-ed Killer" is a chilling but informative look at one of America's most infamous serial killers. The episode offers a glimpse into Kemper's troubled past, his twisted psychology, and the devastating impact of his crimes on his victims and their families.