Ep 2. The Secret of the Wild Child

In episode 2 of season 22 of NOVA titled "The Secret of the Wild Child," viewers are taken into the incredible untold story of a girl labeled “Genie." The episode centers around the case of a young girl who was discovered in 1970 in Los Angeles, California, after spending the majority of her life locked in a small room without human interaction or any form of education or stimulation. The girl, who was approximately 13 years old at the time of her discovery, had been subjected to intense isolation and neglect by her parents.

After her discovery, Genie was taken into protective custody and examined by scientists, psychologists, and linguists from all over the world. Their aim was to study her and uncover the depths of the human mind. The episode picks up the story of Genie a few years after her discovery and explores the progress made in her life after years of rehabilitation.

The episode describes how scientists were astonished by the fact that despite the severity of her isolation, Genie had shown a natural ability to learn language, symbol systems, and social cues. The experts who interacted with her discovered that she had a keen desire to form relationships with other people and was capable of developing deep connections and emotional bonds.

Through interviews with psychologists, doctors, and caregivers who were involved in Genie’s case, viewers learn more about her story and the progress made during her rehabilitation. As the episode unfolds, viewers are invited to witness the remarkable achievements made by Genie after years of therapy. For example, she was able to develop speech skills and began using verbal language to communicate with others.

Through conversations with Genie’s caregivers and those who studied her case, it becomes clear that the girl’s terrible childhood had an enormous impact on her development. They reveal that years of isolation had damaged her physical and neurological development, and that she struggled with mental health issues throughout her life.

Despite the setbacks that Genie faced, the episode highlights her story of hope and resilience. It portrays her as a woman who overcame unimaginable adversity and was able to reclaim her life, in part thanks to the kindness, compassion, and dedication of the people who worked to help her.

"The Secret of the Wild Child" is a thought-provoking and informative episode that explores the depths of human nature and the incredible power of the human mind. It provides a gripping insight into a unique case that challenged the scientific community, and teaches viewers the importance of nurturing and compassion in our society.