The Mantis season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
In a chilling resurgence of the "Praying Mantis" serial killings, Superintendent Ferracci investigates a gruesome murder that mimics the infamous killer's method, pointing to a sinister copycat. The original Praying Mantis, Jeanne Deber, still imprisoned, offers her help in catching the new murderer, with a shocking condition: she will only cooperate if her estranged son, Damien, a police officer, is involved. As the investigation unfolds, clues lead to Baptiste Séverin, who is revealed to have a disturbing connection to Jeanne, suggesting a conspiracy far deeper than anyone anticipated. The episode weaves a complex narrative of manipulation, family secrets, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Full Episode S01E01 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the "Praying Mantis"?
The "Praying Mantis" is a nickname for Jeanne Deber, a serial killer arrested 25 years ago for murdering eight men.
What marks the murders as the work of the Praying Mantis's copycat?
The copycat's murders mimic the Praying Mantis's methods, including emasculation and decapitation, with signs of injection in the victims' necks.
How does Superintendent Ferracci plan to involve Jeanne Deber in the investigation?
Ferracci visits Deber in prison, where she offers to help catch the copycat in exchange for being moved out of prison and working exclusively with her son, Damien.
Who is Damien, and how is he related to the case?
Damien is Jeanne Deber's son, a police officer who becomes involved in the investigation as per his mother's condition for assisting the police.
What leads the investigation to suspect Baptiste Séverin?
The investigation traces a stolen file from a lawyer's home to Séverin, suggesting his involvement in the copycat murders.
How do the investigators discover a connection between Jeanne Deber and Baptiste Séverin?
Through Séverin's computer, investigators find emails between him and Jeanne Deber, indicating collusion in the copycat murders.
What was Jeanne Deber's motive for her original murders?
Jeanne Deber targeted men she deemed deserving of death due to their abusive or neglectful behavior towards their families.
How does the copycat's choice of victims differ from the original Praying Mantis's?
Unlike Jeanne Deber's victims, who were selected for their moral failings, the copycat's victims do not share a clear motive or common trait.
What is the significance of the crime scene's details in identifying the copycat?
The precise replication of the Praying Mantis's methods, including the placement of the victim's head, suggests the copycat had access to detailed information from the original cases.
How does the episode end?
The episode concludes with the revelation that Jeanne Deber and Baptiste Séverin were in collusion, with Séverin committing the murders to aid Deber's agenda.