Ep 1. Death in Dixie

In the opening episode of season three of the popular true crime series, Gangland, we are taken on a journey deep into the heart of the American South. The episode, titled Death in Dixie, explores the violent world of Southern white supremacist gangs and their deadly conflict with their African American rivals.

The episode begins with a gripping prologue that sets the tone for what is to come. We see footage of a drive-by shooting in Jackson, Mississippi, carried out by members of a white power gang known as the Aryan Brotherhood. The targets of the attack are three young black men, who are all killed in the hail of bullets. This sets the stage for a story of escalating violence between rival gangs, fueled by racial hatred and a desire for power and control.

Throughout the episode, we hear from members of both the Aryan Brotherhood and their black counterparts, as well as law enforcement officials and experts on these dangerous groups. We learn about the history of white supremacist gangs in the South, dating back to the days of the Ku Klux Klan, and how they evolved into the more organized and violent groups we see today.

One key aspect of the episode is the focus on the Aryan Brotherhood's prison-based structure, which has allowed the group to establish a powerful and far-reaching network of influence and recruitment. We see how the gang uses threats and violence to maintain their control over the prison population, and how they continue to operate and expand their reach even after members are released from prison.

The episode also delves into the brutal tactics used by both sides in their ongoing conflict. We see footage of drive-by shootings, home invasions, and other violent incidents, all carried out in the name of gang loyalty and a desire for revenge. The toll of these actions is starkly apparent, as we hear from family members of those killed or injured in the violence.

As the story unfolds, we also learn about the efforts of law enforcement to stop these gangs in their tracks. We see footage of raids on gang houses and interviews with officers who have dedicated their careers to breaking up these dangerous groups. However, the gangs' deep-seated hatred and willingness to use violence at any cost make them difficult to fully eradicate.

The episode concludes with a sobering look at the toll of the violence on both sides, as well as the broader community. We see how gang activity and racial tension have created a climate of fear and mistrust in many Southern cities, and how the problem continues to persist to this day.

Overall, Death in Dixie is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that shines a light on a little-discussed but deeply troubling aspect of American society. It raises important questions about race, power, and violence, and leaves viewers with a greater understanding of the high stakes involved in the ongoing battle between these rival gangs.