Ep 3. The New Family

The New Family is the third episode of the second season of L.A. Macabre. The episode begins with Detective John Reynolds investigating a murder-suicide in a suburban home in the valley. The victims are identified as Adam and Mary Sanders, a newly married couple who had moved to Los Angeles from a small town in Ohio. They had no known enemies or criminal record, and the motive behind their tragic deaths remains unclear.

As Reynolds delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the Sanders had recently joined a cult-like group called The New Family. The organization claimed to offer spiritual guidance and help members cope with modern society's challenges. The group's leader, Father Joseph, claimed to possess supernatural powers and had gathered a following among vulnerable individuals who were searching for meaning in their lives.

Reynolds meets with Father Joseph, hoping to gain insight into the Sanders' involvement with the group. The charismatic leader comes across as charming and compassionate, claiming that he had only the best intentions for his followers. However, as Reynolds investigates further, he discovers a darker side to The New Family. Members of the group are required to cut off all contact with their families and former friends, placing their trust solely in Father Joseph's teachings. It's evident that The New Family's members have isolated themselves from the rest of society and are vulnerable to manipulation and abuse.

Reynolds interviews several former members of The New Family, who reveal startling information about the group's practices. Members are required to donate all their possessions to the organization, which is led and financed by Father Joseph. There are rumors of physical and sexual abuse, and some members have mysteriously disappeared without a trace. The more Reynolds investigates, the more he becomes convinced that The New Family is a dangerous cult posing as a spiritual movement.

As Reynolds continues his investigation, he discovers that the Sanders had become disillusioned with The New Family's teachings and had attempted to leave the group. It appears that their decision to leave may have led to their deaths. Reynolds must navigate the dangerous world of cults and brainwashing to uncover the truth behind the Sanders' tragic end and bring their killers to justice.

The New Family is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that tackles the complex issues of cults and brainwashing. The episode explores how vulnerable individuals can be lured into dangerous groups under the guise of spiritual or personal growth. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness about cults' dangers and the need to support individuals who may be at risk of falling prey to such organizations. The New Family is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in true-crime shows that delve into the darker side of human nature.