Ep 12. The Firestarter: Chasing a Pyromaniac
- June 13, 2021
- 42 min
The Firestarter: Chasing a Pyromaniac is the twelfth episode of the third season of Very Scary People. This episode takes a closer look at the life of one of the most notorious arsonists in American history, John Orr.
John Orr, a former firefighter and arson investigator, was responsible for setting over a thousand fires during his reign of terror in Southern California in the 1980s and 90s. He was known for his meticulous planning and elaborate schemes to ignite fires that would later be investigated by himself and his colleagues.
The episode begins by introducing viewers to John Orr and his background. We learn about his troubled childhood and his obsession with fire that started at a young age. We also hear from his former colleagues, who describe him as a brilliant investigator who was respected by his peers.
As the episode progresses, we hear about the first few fires that Orr set and how he was able to avoid suspicion. We also learn about the devastating effects of these fires on the communities he targeted. There are interviews with survivors and family members who lost loved ones, giving a human face to the tragedy that Orr caused.
The second half of the episode focuses on the investigation and eventual arrest of Orr. We hear from the detectives who worked on the case and how they were able to piece together the evidence that led to Orr's conviction. We also hear about the psychological profile that was developed for Orr, which helped to understand his motivations for setting fires.
Throughout the episode, there are chilling interviews with Orr himself, where he talks about his fascination with fire and how he became a pyromaniac. He describes the satisfaction he felt when setting fires and the rush he experienced from watching them burn.
The Firestarter: Chasing a Pyromaniac is a gripping and disturbing episode that offers an insight into the mind of a serial arsonist. It is a reminder of the devastating consequences of a single person's actions and the resilience of those affected by them.
