Ted Bundy- a vicious killer

Urszula Jurczakowska

There are many popular shows on Netflix. Normally, I watch silly comedy shows and sit back and laugh at them, but recently I came across a rather interesting series about one of America’s most dangerous murderers: Ted Bundy. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes lets us hear Bundy’s own voice and insights while he is on trial for the slaughter of over 30 women.

A Netflix original series goes straight to the point, immediately grabbing the viewer’s attention. It is meant to disturb the audience with its well-chosen music that builds tension, as well as other details that make the show both uncomfortable and fascinating to watch. The episodes feature people from Bundy’s life, including his mother, ex-girlfriend, friends, lawyers, and his psychologist, one of the few people Bundy partially confessed to. Director Joe Berlinger uses real audiotapes, court footage, interviews, and Bundy’s most intimate recorded conversations to make the show as reliable and authentic as possible.

The episode “Handsome Devil” begins with a report of a murder in Washington. The news warns of a new possible threat to society, a killer on the loose. The city is in chaos, and the police have no leads, until a car description, a general appearance, and the name Ted are revealed to the public. “He didn’t look like anybody’s notion of someone who could tear apart young girls,” said an old friend of Bundy. Charismatic, handsome, friendly, and charming, Bundy masked his true self during the day, only revealing the aggressive, manipulative, and psychotic killer he truly was when night fell.

The four episodes offer a vile yet realistic portrayal of what happened to each of Bundy’s victims, who all fit an oddly specific pattern: brunette, young, and conventionally attractive. It is rumored that this pattern stems from Bundy’s past relationships, particularly one ex-girlfriend who claims to have survived his violent behavior; however, what remains unanswered is the biggest of mysteries surrounding Bundy: why did he do it? Why did he kill women with a specific appearance? Why did he continue, and how did he even start? Bundy never truly revealed his emotions, so we have little insight into his inner life or motives. His friends and family only knew his charming side; after all, why would a seemingly happy, handsome man do what he did if that was all he was like? This is why Bundy’s case remains relevant and widely discussed… he is a true unsolved mystery. The question of why haunts everybody, from criminologists to Ted Bundy’s own friends and family, yet the answers remain unknown.

The series provides in-depth information about Bundy as a person - his past, his family, his friends, and his criminal record - while also detailing his crimes and trials. We hear his voice, and in some way, we get a glimpse into his twisted perspective on life. As Bundy himself chillingly stated: “Serial killers are your sons. We are your husbands. We are everywhere and there will be more of your children dead tomorrow.”