Rip Current
Rip Current
California, September 1975. Within a span of 17 days and less than 90 miles, two women, working separately, tried to assassinate the president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. These are the only two times we know of that a woman has tried to assassinate an American president. The first, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, was already infamous as a prominent follower of cult leader Charles Manson. Th…Social links:
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Episode 11: There Comes a Point Where the Only Way You Can Make a Statement is to Pick Up a Gun
In the early morning hours of September 22nd, the Secret Service questions Sara Jane Moore about whether she intends to kill President Ford. Later that day, she purchases a gun, drives to San Francisco and takes a shot at Gerald Ford.
33:25
Bonus: Tribal Thumb
A look at the small, violent revolutionary group called Tribal Thumb.
40:03
Episode 10: It Serves the Pigs’ Interests to Create Confusion
After Popeye Jackson’s execution, a debate is carried out among radical groups on whether or not he should have been killed. As the police investigation focuses on a group called Tribal Thumb, Sara Jane Moore perceives herself to be in increasing danger.
38:08
Episode 9: Contradictions
Sara Jane Moore discloses to members of the radical underground that she has been an underground informant. She also accuses Popeye Jackson of being an informant, putting his life in peril.
37:01
Episode 8: Popeye Jackson
Despite being found not guilty of drug possession, radical activist Popeye Jackson faces revocation of his parole. The FBI recruits Sara Jane Moore to be an informant on the Bay Area radical underground.
33:25
Episode 7: A Confusion of Sanity and Reality
Sara Jane Moore’s life is a series of new beginnings followed by sudden exits, leaving husbands and children behind. She arrives at the PIN program, an abrasive, ambitious figure looking to make a name for herself.
29:32
Episode 6: Death to the Fascist Insect that Preys Upon the Life of the People
Patty Hearst is kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army. As the nation tries to understand who the SLA are, her father helps organize the People in Need program to feed the poor around San Francisco.
30:39
Bonus: Watergate
A look at the scandals that brought down the Nixon White House.
25:28
Episode 5: Thirty Eight
Did Lynette Fromme really intend to kill Gerald Ford, or was she just trying to draw attention to the environment or Charles Manson? Gerald Ford emerges from the wreckage of the Nixon administration to become the first president to not appear on a presidential ballot.
31:42
Episode 4: Nice Girls
In Sacramento, Lynette Fromme and Sandra Good send anonymous threatening letters to corporate leaders they feel are ruining the environment. After Fromme’s failed assassination attempt, authorities try to figure out how it was allowed to happen.
29:06