Watch Secrets of a Marine's Wife

In 2021, Lifetime, a television network known for its dramatic and heart-wrenching original films and series, premiered Secrets of a Marine's Wife, a true-crime series that follows the story of Erin Corwin, a 19-year-old Marine wife who went missing in 2014 from her home on a Marine base in California. The show, which consists of six episodes, delves deep into the details surrounding Erin's disappearance, the investigation that followed, and the ultimate discovery of her remains in a remote desert area.

The series is based on the book Secrets of a Marine's Wife: A True Story of Marriage, Obsession, and Murder written by Shanna Hogan. It begins with Erin and her husband, Jonathan Corwin, arriving at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in Southern California, where they are stationed. Erin quickly becomes close with her neighbor and confidante, Nichole Lee Bailey, who also happens to be the wife of a Marine. Nichole's husband is away frequently on deployment, leaving Nichole feeling isolated and alone.

As the two women develop their friendship, Erin reveals to Nichole that she is pregnant with Jonathan's child. However, the news is not well received by Jonathan, who is not ready to be a father. He begins to distance himself from Erin and their relationship deteriorates quickly.

One day, Erin tells Nichole that she is going on a hike in Joshua Tree National Park to clear her head. She never returns, and a frantic search ensues. As the investigation unfolds, suspicions begin to develop around Jonathan and Nichole, and evidence slowly emerges to implicate them in Erin's disappearance.

The series is a shocking and emotional portrayal of a real-life crime, and it is expertly crafted to keep viewers engaged and invested in the outcome. The interviews with Erin's family and friends, as well as law enforcement officials and other key figures in the investigation, help to provide a well-rounded picture of the events leading up to her disappearance and the aftermath that followed.

Throughout the show, the audience is forced to grapple with the complexities of the characters involved, particularly those closest to Erin. Jonathan is presented as a deeply flawed individual with a troubled past and a potential motive for harming Erin. Nichole, on the other hand, is portrayed as a victim of circumstance, struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy in her husband's absence while dealing with her own emotional turmoil.

At the heart of the series, though, is Erin's story, and her loss is felt acutely by the viewer. The show does an excellent job of humanizing Erin and making clear the impact that her disappearance had on those who loved her, while also exploring the darker aspects of her relationships with Jonathan and Nichole.

Despite the bleak subject matter, there are moments of hope and resilience that shine through in Secrets of a Marine's Wife. Erin's loved ones remain committed to finding her and bringing justice to her memory, and the tireless efforts of the law enforcement officials involved in the case are an inspiring reminder of the dedication and professionalism of those who work tirelessly to solve crimes and bring closure to those impacted by them.

Overall, Secrets of a Marine's Wife is a gripping and heartbreaking true-crime series that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. With a compelling narrative and an expertly curated array of interviews and archival footage, the show is a reminder of the real human cost of crime and the importance of pursuing justice for victims and their families.