Ep 1. Lost Rider

Web of Lies is a true crime docudrama series that explores some of the darkest corners of the internet, where people use deception and manipulation to carry out their nefarious schemes. Each episode of the show tells a different story of online fraud, cyberbullying, or other forms of digital malfeasance, using interviews with the real-life people involved in the cases, as well as reenactments and archival footage.

The first episode of season 2 is titled "Lost Rider," and it tells the story of a young woman named Heather who disappears after going on a date with a man she met online. Heather is an accomplished equestrian who loves horses more than anything in the world. She lives in New Jersey with her parents and her sister, and spends most of her time at the stable where she keeps her horse.

One day, Heather meets a man named Chris on a dating website, and they hit it off immediately. Chris seems to share Heather's love of horses, and he promises to take her on a trail ride through the woods. Heather is excited for the date, but her parents are wary. They don't trust Chris, who seems too good to be true.

Nevertheless, Heather goes on the date with Chris, and she never comes home. Her parents are frantic with worry, and they reach out to the police for help. The investigation starts off slowly, as authorities struggle to track down Chris's real identity. But as they dig deeper, they uncover a web of lies and deceit, revealing that Chris is not the man he claimed to be.

As the episode unfolds, viewers learn more about Chris's true motives for befriending Heather. They also see how digital technologies were used to manipulate her and lure her into danger. Through interviews with Heather's family and law enforcement officials, as well as reconstructions of key events, the episode builds a chilling picture of modern-day predators who use the internet to prey on vulnerable victims.

One of the strengths of "Lost Rider" is the way it captures the emotional toll that Heather's disappearance takes on her family. Her parents speak candidly about their fears and regrets, and they express their anger and frustration at not being able to find their daughter. The show's reenactments help bring Heather's story to life, and they give viewers a sense of the real-world risks that come with online communication.

In the end, "Lost Rider" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting strangers online. It shows that even the most careful and well-meaning people can fall victim to deception and manipulation, and that the consequences can be devastating. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of unease and a strong reminder to stay vigilant when navigating the complex and often treacherous landscape of the internet.

Overall, "Lost Rider" is a gripping and heart-wrenching installment of Web of Lies. It combines compelling storytelling with expert analysis of the dangers of online communication, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or digital culture.