Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime (2016)

"Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime" is an anthology series that explores various unsolved criminal cases, with each episode focusing on a different case. The show is hosted by Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej, who provide commentary and analysis while investigating the details of each case.

In the first episode, the hosts delve into the infamous case of the Black Dahlia, the murder of Elizabeth Short in 1947. The episode begins with a brief introduction to Elizabeth Short, a young woman who moved to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming an actress. The hosts describe her life, her struggles, and the circumstances leading up to her death.

The narrative shifts to the discovery of her body in a vacant lot in Leimert Park, Los Angeles. The hosts detail the gruesome nature of the crime, including the fact that her body was mutilated and drained of blood. They discuss the police investigation, which was extensive but ultimately led to no arrests. The episode highlights various suspects, including a doctor who was rumored to have been involved, and the media frenzy that surrounded the case.

As the episode progresses, Ryan and Shane explore the theories surrounding the murder, including the possibility of a serial killer being involved. They discuss the impact of the case on popular culture, including its influence on films and books. The hosts also share their personal thoughts and theories, with Ryan leaning towards the idea of a cover-up and Shane remaining skeptical.

In the second episode, the focus shifts to the mysterious disappearance of the Sodder children in 1945. The episode opens with a description of the Sodder family and their home in Fayetteville, West Virginia. On Christmas Eve, a fire consumed their house, and while five of the ten Sodder children were never found, the parents believed they had escaped.

The hosts recount the family's search for answers, including their belief that the children had been kidnapped. They discuss the various sightings of the children reported over the years and the family's efforts to keep the story alive, including the construction of a billboard with their images. The episode delves into the theories surrounding the fire, including the possibility of arson and the involvement of local mafia figures.

As the investigation unfolds, Ryan and Shane examine the evidence, including the lack of remains found in the ashes of the house. They discuss the family's decision to hire a private investigator and the various leads that were pursued. The episode concludes with the family's ongoing quest for closure, leaving viewers with lingering questions about the fate of the Sodder children.

In subsequent episodes, the series continues to explore other unsolved cases, including the murder of the Zodiac Killer's victims, the disappearance of Maura Murray, and the case of the West Memphis Three. Each episode follows a similar structure, with the hosts providing background information, discussing the investigation, and presenting various theories while maintaining a light-hearted banter that contrasts with the dark subject matter.

Throughout the series, Ryan's fascination with the supernatural often leads to discussions about potential hauntings related to the cases, while Shane remains skeptical, creating a dynamic that keeps viewers engaged. The show balances the serious nature of the crimes with humor and camaraderie between the hosts, making it a unique entry in the true crime genre.

The series concludes without providing definitive answers to the cases, emphasizing the ongoing mystery and the impact these unsolved crimes have on the families involved. Each episode leaves viewers with a sense of intrigue and a desire to learn more about the unresolved stories presented.

In the final episode of Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime, the hosts, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej, delve into the unsolved case of the Black Dahlia murder. They explore the details surrounding Elizabeth Short's gruesome death, presenting various theories and suspects. The episode concludes with Ryan expressing his belief that the case will remain unsolved, while Shane maintains a more skeptical view, suggesting that there are answers to be found. The episode ends with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the ongoing mystery of the case.

As the episode begins, Ryan and Shane set the stage for the infamous Black Dahlia case, which has captivated the public since the 1940s. They introduce Elizabeth Short, a young woman whose body was discovered in a vacant lot in Los Angeles, mutilated and drained of blood. The hosts provide a vivid description of the crime scene, detailing the shock and horror that gripped the community. Ryan, with a somber tone, recounts the details of Elizabeth's life, her dreams of becoming an actress, and the tragic circumstances that led to her untimely death.

Transitioning into the investigation, the hosts discuss the media frenzy that surrounded the case. They highlight the sensationalist headlines and the public's fascination with the gruesome details, which only added to the mystery. Shane, ever the skeptic, questions the motives of the media and the police, suggesting that the case was mishandled from the start. Ryan, on the other hand, expresses a deep empathy for Elizabeth, feeling a connection to her story and the injustice she faced.

As they explore various theories, the hosts present a range of suspects, from local criminals to prominent figures in Hollywood. Each theory is accompanied by dramatic reenactments and archival footage, immersing the audience in the era and the atmosphere of fear that permeated Los Angeles at the time. Ryan's passion for the case shines through as he passionately argues for the possibility of a cover-up, while Shane remains grounded, often poking fun at the more outlandish theories.

In the final moments of the episode, Ryan and Shane reflect on the case's unresolved nature. Ryan, with a hint of sadness in his voice, acknowledges that despite the extensive investigation and numerous theories, the truth about Elizabeth Short's murder may never be uncovered. Shane, maintaining his characteristic humor, quips about the absurdity of some theories, but ultimately agrees that the mystery remains. The episode closes with a lingering sense of uncertainty, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of Elizabeth Short and the countless questions that still surround her tragic story.

As the credits roll, the audience is left with the haunting image of Elizabeth Short, a reminder of the unresolved mysteries that continue to captivate and perplex. The episode encapsulates the essence of Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime, blending humor with genuine intrigue, while honoring the memory of a young woman whose life was cut short in a brutal and senseless manner.

In the 2016 series "Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime," there are no traditional post-credit scenes as one might find in feature films. Instead, the show often concludes with a light-hearted or humorous exchange between the hosts, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej, after discussing the serious and often chilling true crime cases. These moments serve to lighten the mood and provide a contrast to the heavy subject matter they explore throughout each episode. The banter typically includes Shane's skepticism about the supernatural elements of the cases, while Ryan often expresses a more open-minded perspective, leading to playful arguments that highlight their contrasting personalities. This dynamic is a hallmark of the series, providing a unique blend of true crime storytelling and comedic relief.

The murder of Elizabeth Short, famously known as the Black Dahlia, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The episode delves into the gruesome details of her body being discovered in a vacant lot in Los Angeles in 1947, cut in half and severely mutilated. The investigation reveals the media frenzy that followed, the numerous suspects, and the lack of concrete evidence leading to a resolution. Ryan and Shane explore various theories, including the possibility of a serial killer and the involvement of Hollywood figures, while also highlighting the emotional impact on Short's family.

In the episode focusing on the Zodiac Killer, Ryan and Shane examine the infamous serial killer who terrorized Northern California in the late 1960s. They discuss the killer's cryptic letters sent to newspapers, taunting law enforcement and the public. The episode presents various theories about the identity of the Zodiac, including suspects like Arthur Leigh Allen, and explores the psychological profile of the killer, emphasizing the fear and paranoia that gripped the community during the time of the murders.

The episode on JonBenét Ramsey details the tragic murder of the six-year-old beauty queen in her family's Boulder, Colorado home in 1996. Ryan and Shane recount the chaotic scene of the initial investigation, the ransom note found in the house, and the subsequent media coverage that turned the case into a national spectacle. They discuss the various theories surrounding the case, including the involvement of family members and the potential for an intruder, while capturing the emotional weight of the unsolved case and its impact on the Ramsey family.

In the episode about the West Memphis Three, Ryan and Shane explore the 1993 murders of three eight-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. They detail the controversial trial of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley, who were convicted based on questionable evidence and coerced confessions. The episode highlights the lack of physical evidence linking the three to the crime, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the subsequent movement advocating for their innocence, showcasing the emotional turmoil experienced by the families involved.

The episode on Maura Murray focuses on the mysterious disappearance of the college student in 2004 after her car crashed on a rural New Hampshire road. Ryan and Shane detail the events leading up to her disappearance, including her troubled personal life and the cryptic email she sent to professors before leaving. They discuss the extensive search efforts, the theories surrounding her fate, including the possibility of foul play or voluntary disappearance, and the emotional impact on her family, capturing the haunting uncertainty that continues to surround her case.

"Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime" is not specifically designed as a family-friendly show. It delves into real-life criminal cases, often discussing graphic details and themes that may be unsettling. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that could affect children or sensitive viewers:

1. Graphic Crime Descriptions: The show often discusses violent crimes, including murder, which may include details about the methods used and the aftermath.

2. Crime Scene Imagery: Visuals may include crime scene photos or reenactments that depict violence or death, which can be disturbing.

3. Dark Themes: The series explores themes of death, loss, and the psychological impact of crime, which may be heavy for younger audiences.

4. Language: There may be instances of strong language or casual references to adult themes that could be inappropriate for children.

5. Morbid Humor: The hosts often use humor to cope with the dark subject matter, which may not resonate well with all viewers and could be seen as insensitive.

Overall, the content is more suitable for mature audiences who can handle discussions of true crime and its implications.