As a seasoned investigative journalist with decades of experience under my belt, delving into the world of “Unsolved Mysteries” feels like stepping back into my roots. The thrill of unraveling the enigmatic threads that bind these perplexing cases together is a feeling I’ve come to cherish over the years.
After over three decades since we embarked on the creation of “Unsolved Mysteries,” I, Terry Dunn Meurer, continue to be astonished by the extraordinary events unfolding around the globe.
Since its debut on NBC in 1987, “Unsolved Mysteries” has explored a wide range of intriguing stories, including murders, disappearances, unexplained phenomena, and potential alien encounters. The show moved to CBS, Lifetime, and the former Spike TV before being reimagined by Netflix in 2020, with five new episodes now available as part of Volume 4 on their streaming platform.
The latest collection encompasses a wide variety of mysteries reminiscent of “Unsolved Mysteries,” featuring perplexing incidents such as a headless corpse discovered in Pennsylvania woods, a corpse found submerged in a basement saturated with blood, and a college student found lifeless on a stage within a locked theater. However, this volume begins and ends with episodes that deviate from its recent trend of unfamiliar cases –– the enigmatic Jack the Ripper and the elusive Mothman.
The series’ autumn release is only getting started, as EbMaster has learned exclusively that four more episodes will be released in October, perfect for Halloween. These new episodes are part of Volume 5 and Netflix isn’t ready to disclose the themes just yet. However, Meurer can hardly hide her enthusiasm for one of them, describing it as “the most puzzling mystery I’ve ever worked on.” All she is willing to reveal at this point is that it is indeed a mystery!
Currently, Meurer has a conversation with EbMaster concerning the creation of Volume 4. They discuss which stories, such as those involving Jack the Ripper and Mothman, will be included, and why she remains intrigued by the enigma of the severed head case. Please note that there may be minor spoilers in the following interview.
With so many true crime documentaries airing weekly nowadays, does it affect the way you perceive “Unsolved Mysteries,” which has been on-air for over 35 years?
Our show is not typically categorized as a true crime series. Instead, we like to emphasize that we’re more about unraveling mysteries. Consequently, our team is constantly on the hunt for puzzles that require solving. We may have a unique approach to selection because these mysteries must contain specific elements of intrigue. They can’t simply be straightforward crimes. In fact, we also delve into paranormal narratives, which further narrows down the types of stories we can explore. What we strive for is a unique blend of mystery that some true crime series may lack.
As a lifelong fan of the supernatural and a dedicated binge-watcher of Netflix documentaries, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the recent focus on Jack the Ripper and the Mothman in their latest series. These two figures have always captivated my imagination, and I’ve spent countless hours researching their stories and theories. It’s exciting to see these iconic cases getting the attention they deserve on such a popular platform, especially since other episodes may not be as well-known or intriguing to many viewers. As someone who has always been fascinated by the unexplained, I can appreciate the decision to focus on these stories now more than ever.
Regarding Jack the Ripper, most people are familiar with his name, yet not everyone understands the specifics of his actions or the fact that his crimes remain unsolved. In fact, some may be unaware of this ongoing mystery. This topic may seem somewhat unusual due to these reasons and because it dates back quite a bit. Moreover, it is one of our oldest cases we’ve ever covered, even considering our vintage episodes.
Since we can’t interview any relatives concerning the case or the victims, our team is relying on renowned experts who specialize in solving Jack the Ripper mysteries and examining numerous potential suspects. It might surprise you to learn that there are still fresh names being proposed as possible culprits.
Regarding Mothman, we previously explored its intriguing tale in our old broadcasts, but rumors of fresh sightings have arisen around the Chicago O’Hare Airport. This upcoming episode serves as an exciting expansion on our 2002 Point Pleasant Mothman story. Could it be that Mothman has relocated to Chicago? What implications might there be if people genuinely perceive it as a portent of impending doom?
When investigating paranormal tales, we place great emphasis on trustworthy eyewitness accounts. Without these, we choose not to cover the story. In our examination of the Mothman incident, we uncovered numerous witnesses, including air traffic controllers, pilots, and cargo handlers from O’Hare, who claimed to have seen the Mothman and provided us with statements, albeit they declined interviews.
As a seasoned movie reviewer who’s been following this series for over three decades, it’s always a thrill to see updates and refreshes on classic content. This episode is no exception, as it cleverly integrates some timeless Mothman reenactments. But here’s the intriguing part: have they also incorporated testimonies from recent witnesses into these reenacted stories? If you’re a keen observer, give it a watch and find out for yourself!
In our regular practice, we tend not to go down that path, but this time, we made an exception. It seemed like adding a touch of authenticity would enhance the experience. That decision was deliberate. For the original series, we incorporated dialogue and character close-ups, sometimes featuring real cops or other individuals who were willing to participate. However, in the Netflix version, we’ve opted for more suggestive reenactments, focusing on shots of hands, feet, and backs of heads. We took things a step further with the Mothman episode by integrating real people, just to introduce a bit of variety.
How was it doing that?
It seems everyone was eager to participate, no persuasion needed. What stands out is their authenticity stemming from the deep trauma they experienced. It feels unusual to imagine an actor taking on these roles. Perhaps it’s the sincerity that makes it feel off. Over time, we’ve learned that individuals find healing through sharing their stories in interviews, feeling like they contribute to unraveling the mystery and finding resolution.
At the heart of our work lies this: It’s indeed entertainment, but it’s about genuine individuals with authentic tales and enigmas. We strive to unravel their mysteries, and as long as I live, I will continue to produce “Unsolved Mysteries” for that very purpose.
Three less popular episodes in the heart of the season are particularly unsettling, with “The Severed Head” being the most striking due to the intense amount of events packed into a single episode. A grisly discovery – a severed, embalmed head adorned with red rubber balls instead of eyes – sets the scene. However, what initially appears to be the stolen head from a 1950s grave robbery, turns out not to be the case, leaving room for another intriguing narrative thread. The episode also delves into an unusual conflict between an elderly man and the teenager who discovered the head, suggesting that this altercation may have escalated to using the head as retaliation, culminating in a tragic turn of events involving suicide. I stumbled upon this mind-blowing tale while…
Among my preferred episodes, this one stands out as the most intriguing and the one I’m eager to see resolved. The investigators in this case, Chief Mike O’Brien and Andy Gall, have taken on the role of family for the woman involved. They are deeply committed to unraveling this mystery. This case was incredibly complex, and it has taught me a great deal because I was previously unfamiliar with the illicit trade of body parts. I also didn’t realize that embalmed heads can’t provide DNA samples. We attempted to extract some from the remains, even going as far as sending them to another lab, but they reported back that they were unable to obtain any.
As a seasoned investigator with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that this case is one of the most intriguing and puzzling ones I’ve ever encountered. The team has left no stone unturned in their quest for answers, employing cutting-edge technology such as NASA satellites to determine if a car was parked there at the time the head was found. Yet, even with all this effort, we have been unable to unravel the mystery completely.
As a seasoned detective with years of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless cases that leave me scratching my head in bewilderment. But this one…this case is something else entirely. It’s a tangled web of secrets and mysteries, filled with twists and turns that would make even the most seasoned investigator dizzy.
You said you targeted this case years ago. How long does it take to produce these episodes?
As someone who has spent years working in the entertainment industry, I can attest that creating a television show takes a significant amount of time and effort. In my experience, it usually takes around two years to complete one season of a series, although there are always exceptions based on various factors. However, what I’m currently working on is only halfway done, with the remaining episodes set to premiere in October. It’s an exciting time for us as a team, as we eagerly await the audience’s reaction to our hard work.
What really struck a chord with me about the last two episodes of this season –– “Body in the Basement” and “Murder, Center Stage” – was their uncanny resemblance to my own past experiences. I’ve found myself entangled in similar situations, where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred, and the consequences of our actions can be dire. These episodes not only kept me on the edge of my seat but also made me reflect on the choices I’ve made in life. It’s a haunting reminder that the world is filled with mysteries waiting to be unraveled and moral dilemmas that challenge us every day.
In “Body in the Basement,” what caught my attention was the fact that initially, the police suspected it as a homicide, but later on, they also considered the possibility of an accident. This is unusual in such cases, as it’s more common for accidents to be initially perceived as homicides. This made our investigation unique and intriguing. The authorities were indeed puzzled by this case. When Detective Dave Sweet approached us, he expressed his desire to exhaust all possible leads before retiring, stating, “Before I retire, I need to ensure that I’ve done everything in my power to unravel the mystery of this case.”
In another episode, Sigrid was mourned as a life cut tragically short many years ago. It’s hoped someone out there knows the truth about her. Remarkably, even after all these years, all four investigators remain deeply committed to solving her case. This passion is often what drives us in our work, and it certainly seems to be a common thread throughout the three episodes in the middle of this season. We feel compelled to help them find justice for their lost loved one.
Have you made your way through multiple episodes of “Unsolved Mysteries” on Netflix, where each installment delves deep into a single case? What’s your take on this new format compared to the original show’s legacy?
Previously, our show used to present around 100 mysteries per season, providing ample opportunities for solving cases. I genuinely enjoy delving deeper into these cases, and it appears that our viewers share this sentiment as well. However, due to our aim of resolving as many mysteries as possible, we are currently constrained. This year, we only have nine episodes compared to the 12 in our first season on Netflix. We wish to unravel these mysteries, it’s not just about narrating stories.
During the initial phases of “Unsolved Mysteries”, you may recall that it made significant strides in resolving cases it featured. Has progress been made in solving the mysteries showcased on Netflix through your tips website, Unsolved.com?
There was one case that was solved. It was in Volume 3; it was a parental abduction case. But I have been surprised that a couple of these cases that I thought were slam dunks have not been solved. I still read every tip that comes through that we send off to the U.S. Marshals, and we send them a lot.
With those desired cases, for example, I believe and hope that when fresh episodes are released, viewers revisit the previous ones. This way, we might get another chance to uncover answers. Originally, it only aired once on NBC, but now, fans can revisit it on Netflix, and maybe some mysteries will be solved.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-07-31 18:48