Badlands, Texas (2015)
Synopsis
The small town of Terlingua, Texas is a little known oasis on the Rio Grande River where eccentric residents trade modern comforts for a unique brand of freedom. But the price of their freedom proves high when a brutal crime threatens to tear their town apart. This true-crime docu-series delves into the eccentric world of Terlingua as its citizens struggle to reconcile the killing of a dear friend and fight to hold the town together as it grapples with change.
Network
National Geographic
Episodes
End of the Road
The tiny town of Terlingua, Texas is shocked by the murder of one of its well-known residents when a man is found dead outside of a bar by one of the bar's employees.
A Killing
Locals recount what happened the night a well-liked Terlingua, Texas resident was murdered. After an investigation, a friend and fellow local resident is charged in connection with the murder. Sheriff's piece together details while the town becomes divided between loyalties to the victim and the accused.
The Interrogation
Before the trial of a Terlingua, Texas resident murder gets underway, local officials begin to interrogate residents. The accused shares his side of the story while the victim’s friends and acquaintances all give their version of events leading up to the fatality. Meanwhile, jury selection begins and the townspeople are torn further and further apart.
The Trial
A Terlingua, Texas resident goes to trial for the murder of a well-known fellow resident, who was found dead outside his own bar. Witnesses tell their story and evidence is presented to the jury. The townspeople hope the trial will bring peace to a community that has become divided over the shocking incident. Meanwhile, the accused man awaits the verdict: guilty or innocent.
The Verdict
A Terlingua, Texas resident is on trial for the murder of a well-known fellow resident. Remaining evidence is presented and closing arguments are made before the jury deliberates on a final verdict: innocent, murder or man slaughter. When the verdict is announced, not all residents find the closure they were hoping for.
Answers & Anger
The jury in the murder trial returns a not guilty verdict and Terlingua residents are in shock and anger—demanding to know why the accused wasn’t at least charged with manslaughter.
Jurors Tell All
A town hall meeting prompts residents to ask how jurors arrived at their verdict. Two anonymous jurors reveal the confusion and animosity that existed in the deliberation room.
The Road Ahead
The town of Terlingua looks to the future; residents believe the town is changed forever and worry that the culture of alcoholism could continue to tear it apart even further.
Details
Original Title
Badlands, Texas
Status
Returning Series
Seasons
1
Episodes
8
Production
Original Productions, National Geographic
