He was the man no one suspected — confident, intelligent, and ambitious.

But behind the smile was a void.

In this special 90-minute investigation, When the Lies Began unravels the chilling psychology of Ted Bundy, one of the most manipulative and deceptive serial killers in history.

From his ordinary childhood and rise as a law student and political volunteer to the cross-country murders that shocked America, Daniel and Claire expose how Bundy’s charm became his weapon — and his lies became his armor.

Daniel walks us through the verified timeline: Bundy’s calculated abductions across seven states, the police blunders that let him escape twice, and the forensic breakthroughs that finally ended his reign of terror.

Claire dissects the mind beneath the mask — exploring the narcissism, psychopathy, and sexual sadism that defined Bundy’s pathology. Together, they reveal how intellect and charisma can camouflage predation, and how society’s fascination with “the charming killer” still blurs the line between horror and celebrity.

This episode integrates forensic and psychological analysis, examining:

• The mechanics of psychopathy and narcissistic grandiosity

• The role of charm and mimicry as tools of manipulation

• Bundy’s paraphilic control patterns and sadistic compulsions

• The failure of empathy and systemic denial that allowed him to thrive

• His courtroom theatrics, confessions, and final rationalizations before execution

Emotionally, the episode moves through four acts:

1. Shock — The murders that shattered the illusion of normalcy.

2. Tension — The chase, the escapes, and his seductive self-defense in court.

3. Outrage — The spectacle of his manipulation and media obsession.

4. Reflection — The legacy of a killer who forced the world to question what evil looks like.

As Bundy’s life ends in Florida’s electric chair, When the Lies Began doesn’t glorify him — it dissects him.

Because the story of Ted Bundy isn’t just about murder; it’s about society’s blindness to danger wrapped in confidence, politeness, and a smile.