Ep 13. Goering: The Star Exhibit

Nazi Hunters is a captivating TV series that explores the efforts of the Allied powers to bring Nazi war criminals to justice after World War II. The series chronicles the tireless work of officers of various nationalities who work in secret to gather evidence and track down the fugitives who have fled to different parts of the world. In season 1 episode 13, titled Goering: The Star Exhibit, the focus is on the trial of Hermann Goering, arguably the most high-profile of all the Nazi war criminals.

The episode begins by detailing Goering's rise to power within the Nazi regime, his close relationship with Adolf Hitler, and his leadership of the Luftwaffe during the war. The episode makes it clear that Goering was one of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany and was involved in some of the regime's worst atrocities. The narrative then shifts to the period immediately following the end of the war, specifically the efforts by the Allied powers to track down Goering and bring him to justice.

We see how the decision was made to hold the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany, and how Goering was one of the first Nazis to be captured and brought to trial. The episode details the meticulous preparation that went into getting Goering ready for trial, including medical checks and psychological profiling. We see how the prosecution team selected evidence, including testimony from former Nazis and concentration camp survivors, to build a case against Goering.

The trial itself is the centerpiece of the episode. We see how the prosecution presents its case, and we witness Goering's steely defiance as he is questioned by the judges. The episode includes excerpts from actual footage of the trial, providing a glimpse into the charged atmosphere of the courtroom. We see how Goering used every tactic at his disposal to try to evade responsibility for his crimes, including feigning ignorance and shifting blame onto others.

Despite Goering's efforts, the prosecutor's case is strong, and the evidence presented is overwhelming. The episode culminates in the verdict, and here again, we see footage from the actual trial. The judges find Goering guilty on all counts, and he is sentenced to death.

The episode also explores the aftermath of the trial, the implications of the verdict for the Allied powers and for future trials of Nazi war criminals. It examines the legacy of Goering, showing how his trial became a watershed moment in the fight for justice after World War II.

Overall, Goering: The Star Exhibit is a gripping episode of Nazi Hunters that provides a detailed look at the Nuremberg trials and the efforts to bring one of the most notorious war criminals of the 20th century to justice. It is a fascinating exploration of one of the darkest periods in human history and a powerful reminder of the importance of holding those responsible for atrocities accountable.