Ep 6. Sins of the Father

As a cautionary tale, Shattered (2017) season 1 episode 6, "Sins of the Father," explores the complex, interconnected ways that a single event can leave lasting emotional, psychological and physical damage upon not just an individual, but their family and loved ones as well.

The episode focuses on the story of a father, John David Smith, who becomes entangled in a life of deception, crime and addiction, ultimately leading to his tragic undoing. The hour-long episode uses a combination of expert analysis and intimate interviews with John's family members to paint a vivid picture of the events leading up to his downfall.

John David Smith's upbringing is a poignant thread in this episode. We learn that John's father, a WW2 veteran, instilled strict values and high expectations in his children. In his father's eyes, anything less than "perfection" was a failure. The episode charts the young John's fierce attempts to be the son his father wanted him to be, but as he reaches adulthood, he discovers that he cannot meet those impossible standards.

As a young man living in the 1960s, John's life spirals into one of addiction and crime. He alternates between working a straight job to pay the bills and indulging in drugs and crime to achieve the high he craves.

The turning point for John comes when he becomes a father, first to a son and later to a daughter. His struggles with addiction and his criminal lifestyle drastically impact his children. It eventually leads to a tragedy that forever alters the course of John's life and the lives of his loved ones.

"Sins of the Father" is a heartbreaking and fascinating look into one man's choices and the ripple effect they have on his child's lives. It is a story of inter-generational trauma and the devastating consequences of addiction and crime. The episode provides insights into the effects of trauma on families, and how it can reverberate through generations, highlighting how people struggling with addiction and ask for help from supportive resources available to them.

Overall, Shattered (2017) season 1 episode 6, "Sins of the Father," is an emotional and thought-provoking hour of television that explores the human cost of addiction and the importance of breaking the cycle of trauma for future generations.