Under the Banner of Heaven

"Under the Banner of Heaven" is a true-crime drama series based on Jon Krakauer's 2003 book of the same name. It explores the brutal murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty and her infant daughter Erica by her brothers-in-law, Ron and Dan Lafferty, in a Mormon community in Utah. The series delves into the motives behind the crime, which were rooted in Ron's belief that he received a divine revelation to kill Brenda and her child. This event is intertwined with the broader context of Mormon fundamentalism and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The show also examines themes of faith, violence, and patriarchal structures within Mormon communities. It includes fictional elements, such as the character of Detective Jeb Pyre, to explore these themes further. The series highlights the tension between traditional Mormon teachings and the more radical interpretations of some fundamentalist groups. Through its narrative, "Under the Banner of Heaven" provides a complex portrayal of the intersection of religion and violence, raising questions about the dangers of extremism and the challenges faced by those who question their faith.