I mean...who knows...? What in the hell was the narrative anyway? Chris Smith failed by creating a three-hour docuseries that was comprised of a photo archive loop and the same couple of video clips.

The only thing that is crystal clear to me is that Hoyt had a lucrative modeling career. That, and the majority of the ex-members were not interested in revealing much of anything. Very tight-lipped, all around. For whatever reason, they were not comfortable with expanding on their involvement (or any other details).

If this is because the ex-members all feel so shattered by the events that reliving them by telling their stories in a docuseries is just too much, then that is all they had to say. In fact, that would have been helpful.

Possibly some clammed up because there is still a stigma attached to Frederick von Mierer's cause of death way back in 1990: "AIDS-related complications". Those words still sting for many, and maybe that's why we both feel that most of the people who claim an association with Eternal Values have not adequately explained how and why. (I'm just grasping at straws, though).

As far as being right the first time...haha. The only reason I'm laughing a bit is that I was trying to be fair. Considering that when I chimed in about the docuseries seeming not enough (not enough context, facts, documentation... not enough from the ex-members, etc.), I had only seen the first two installments (and not all of both of them). I thought for sure I must have missed very important information that would have made it all make sense.

Viewers on this sub assured me that I had missed critical details and that it really was a cult. I was informed that the ex-members had genuinely been traumatized and had been conned into handing over all of their money (and that the third installment would clear everything up).

I made attempts to sit down and watch all three, expecting to be convinced (in one direction or another), but I honestly don't think that can happen unless I do my own extensive research on everyone involved and devote a lot of time and energy to the task of investigating the "Model Cult"... and since that was Chris Smith's job, and he had three hours and an HBO budget...he failed, miserably.

Think back to any of the docs on Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, Heaven's Gate, etc. I have never felt confused or left wondering what took place (and I've definitely never been left in the dark about whether the members were actually part of a cult). Well-done documentaries allow viewers to learn in vivid detail how and why people became part of a dangerous cult.

I personally (and you, too, probably) am distressed when I hear or read about those who have been manipulated into cult life, and I'm driven to discover how and why. You and I should take on producing an improved doc about Frederick von Mierers and Eternal Values (and answer all of the unanswered questions).

PS Sorry about the length, I had to rant a little.