Ep 2. Season 1, Episode 2

Very Bad Men is a true crime series that delves into the lives and crimes of some of America's most notorious criminals. In season 1 episode 2, viewers are introduced to yet another set of villains whose actions are both ghastly and cunning.

Season 1 episode 2 of Very Bad Men focuses on the crimes of two individuals: Robert Stroud and Hayden Thompson. Stroud, who was also known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," was a convicted murderer who gained notoriety for his studies of birds while in prison. Thompson, on the other hand, was a remorseless killer who preyed on the elderly.

Viewers first meet Robert Stroud, who was sentenced to death for murder in 1909. However, his sentence was later commuted to life in prison after he was caught attempting to kill a guard. While in prison, Stroud began studying birds and became known as a skilled avian expert. He even wrote a book about birds which became very popular among bird enthusiasts. However, Stroud's love for birds did not stop him from committing further crimes. In 1942, he was caught running a racketeering scheme from his prison cell and was subsequently moved to Alcatraz.

The show also delves into the life and crimes of Hayden Thompson, a thief and killer who targeted the elderly. Thompson's favorite method of killing his victims was to bludgeon them over the head with a metal pipe. He especially targeted old people living alone in trailer parks and small towns. Thompson's modus operandi was to pose as a salesman or serviceman and gain access to his victims' homes before attacking them.

The episode features interviews with law enforcement officials who worked on the cases, as well as family members of the victims. Viewers will also see dramatizations of the crimes, which are graphic and chilling. The show gives an in-depth look at both Stroud and Thompson and their twisted criminal minds.

As with every episode of Very Bad Men, the focus is on the criminals, but the show also highlights the resilience of the victims and their families. Throughout the episode, viewers will hear from those who survived Thompson's attacks or lost loved ones to Stroud's crimes. Despite the horrors they endured, many of them were able to find a way to move forward and to honor the memories of those they lost.

Overall, Season 1 episode 2 of Very Bad Men is a gripping and disturbing look at the lives and crimes of two notorious criminals. The show does not shy away from the graphic details of their offenses, making for a chilling and thought-provoking viewing experience. However, it also gives a voice to the victims and their families, providing a balance to the disturbing nature of the crimes.