I have vague memories of the bloody siege that infiltrated the airwaves 30 years ago in Waco, Texas but WACO: AMERICAN APOCALYPSE is the definitive chronicling of this national tragedy. From the same Director who brought us terrifying Docu-Series NIGHT STALKER, Tiller Russell, we get first-hand accounts of those in the trenches, including survivors and those who knew fallen Cult Leader David Koresh. Russell also unearths footage filmed within FBI‘s Hostage Negotiation Command Post and raw news footage, all never seen before. This all comes in time to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this event.
The original intent of the FBI was for officials to infiltrate the Branch Davidians’ compound, arrest and have him surrender the illegal firearms they were hoarding, WACO: AMERICAN APOCALYPSE gives us an insider’s view of the series of events that led to what would be a 51 day standoff resulting in 86 deaths, including the children who were surrendered. We also get a clearer portait of Koresh‘s relationships with the women and yes, sometimes children within the compound, plus the abuse they were subject to, convincing his followers that he was the second coming of Christ. Most heartbreaking is Heather Jones’ recounting of her life in the compound being amidst the blooshed during the standoff.
The Series tries to piece together a portrait of a man who would gain power of people who would surrender their lives to him in the name of being closer to God. We see some deeply distubring and chilling impacts from all of this and we learn that there were lessons to be learned by the FBI which had a responsibility to save every life, but failed in this regard. WACO: AMERICAN APOCALYPSE is compelling watch at three highly-watchable episodes.
WACO: AMERICAN APOCALYPSE streams now on Netflix.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
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