Watch The Butcher Baker: Mind of a Monster

The Butcher Baker: Mind of a Monster is a true crime documentary series from Investigation Discovery that explores the twisted mind and gruesome crimes of one of the most notorious killers in Alaskan history, Robert Hansen. Over the course of 6 episodes, viewers are taken through the investigation into Hansen's murders, his eventual capture and conviction, and the impact his crimes had on his victims' families and the community at large.

The series opens with a brief overview of Hansen's criminal history, which began in the early 1960s when he was convicted of arson and theft. From there, the show delves into the details of his more horrifying crimes, which took place over a period of several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Hansen, who worked as a baker in Anchorage, Alaska, would kidnap young women, fly them out to remote areas in his plane, and then hunt them down like animals, using his skills as a marksmen to make sure that none of his victims could escape.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a number of key figures in the investigation into Hansen's crimes, including detectives who worked on the case, family members of the victims, and survivors of his attacks. Through interviews with these individuals, as well as archival footage and reenactments, viewers get a sense of just how terrifying and devastating Hansen's crimes were.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Butcher Baker is the way in which it explores Hansen's psyche. Through interviews with psychologists and criminologists, viewers are given a window into the mind of this notorious killer, and the show does an excellent job of conveying the complexity of Hansen's motivations and the factors that led him to commit such heinous crimes. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of psychology and true crime, and it will leave viewers thinking about the case long after the final episode has aired.

Another standout element of the series is the way in which it contextualizes Hansen's crimes within the broader social and cultural milieu of Alaska in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The show touches on issues such as the oil boom that was taking place in the state at the time, the influx of out-of-state workers, and the difficult living conditions that many people faced in the more remote areas of the state. All of these factors contributed to an environment in which someone like Hansen could operate with relative impunity, and the series does a great job of placing the killer's actions within this larger context.

Overall, The Butcher Baker: Mind of a Monster is a gripping and thought-provoking series that will appeal to fans of true crime as well as anyone interested in forensic psychology and criminal justice. With its compelling mix of interviews, reenactments, and archival footage, the show offers a comprehensive look at one of the most chilling cases in modern American history. Whether you're a seasoned true crime fan or someone who's just dipping their toes into the genre, this show is a must-watch.

The Butcher Baker: Mind of a Monster is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between September 11, 2020 and on Investigation Discovery