Ep 1. The Mutilator

The episode entitled "The Mutilator" is the first episode of the third season of the popular documentary series, River Monsters. Hosted by extreme angler and biologist, Jeremy Wade, River Monsters takes viewers on a journey to explore some of the deadliest, and often misunderstood, creatures that inhabit our rivers, lakes, and oceans. In this episode, Wade investigates the gruesome death of a young man who was found with severe injuries in a Brazilian river.

At the start of the episode, Wade meets with local police officers who are investigating the young man's death. They explain that the victim was found with his arms and legs ripped off, and his head nearly decapitated. The officers suspect that a piranha, a notorious fish known for its sharp teeth and aggressive behavior, is responsible for the gruesome attack. However, Wade is skeptical of their theory and decides to investigate further.

Wade starts his investigation by examining footage of the victim's body that was taken at the crime scene. Upon closer inspection, he notices that the injuries seem to have been caused by something with a much stronger bite force than a piranha. He decides to catch a few piranhas to study their bite strength and compare it to the injuries on the victim's body.

Wade catches a few piranhas using a homemade fishing rod and bait. He then takes them to a lab to measure their bite strength. The results are surprising. While piranhas do have strong jaws, their bite force is not powerful enough to cause the type of injuries found on the victim's body. This realization leads Wade to believe that something else, something much larger and stronger, is responsible for the attack.

Wade decides to go on a nighttime fishing trip to see if he can catch the creature responsible for the attack. Armed with a powerful fishing rod and a live bait, Wade waits patiently for several hours until something takes the bait. The creature puts up a strong fight, but Wade eventually manages to reel it in. To his surprise, he discovers that the culprit is not a piranha, but a giant catfish.

Upon further examination, Wade discovers that the catfish has human remains in its stomach. Based on the size and type of injuries found on the victim's body, Wade believes that this catfish, which he names "The Mutilator," is responsible for the young man's death. He sets out to catch more catfish to study their behavior and determine what could have led The Mutilator to attack a human.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the Brazilian river and its surrounding vegetation. Wade also takes the time to provide viewers with information about the wildlife and culture of the region. His interactions with the local police officers and fishermen add an authentic touch to the investigation and give viewers a glimpse into the daily life of those who live along the river.

In conclusion, "The Mutilator" is a thrilling and suspenseful episode of River Monsters that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With stunning visuals and an intriguing investigation, this episode is one that fans of the series will not want to miss.