Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cursing, violence, drugs in White supremacist docuseries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Takedown: American Aryans
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE TAKEDOWN: AMERICAN ARYANS is a docuseries that goes inside one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the country and shows law enforcement's efforts to stop it. In the early 2000s, the illegal activities of the White supremacist gang known as the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) were escalating. The violent, cult-like gang, which is built on Nazi ideology, was operating a drug and weapons trafficking ring in the Texas suburbs while committing murders across the state. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent Richard Boehning established a multi-agency task force responsible for the arrest of key leaders in the criminal gang, which made it possible to dismantle the group and make the streets of Texas a little safer. Conversations with former ABT members reveal what life was like in the Brotherhood, their criminal activities, and, in some cases, the murders they committed. Women associated with the group also share some of their experiences. Meanwhile, Boehning and other law enforcement agents discuss the investigative process, including the use of informants to get the evidence needed to arrest powerful ABT members and send them to prison. Families of some of the murder victims also share their thoughts.
Is It Any Good?
The four-part docuseries offers a sensational look at how a complicated six-year federal law enforcement operation ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of dozens of members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. Special Agent Boehning isn't exactly modest about his involvement in the investigation, and former ABT members treat the crimes they committed as members of the organization as normal and appropriate. The conversations about some of the individuals harmed by the group are both tragic and horrifying, especially those that calmly talk about the ritualistic torture that occurred before people were killed for being suspected of violating the group's rules or for allegedly being informants. The way the organization continues to operate in and out of prison is also discussed. The Takedown: American Aryans is disturbing and compelling, especially to those who like true crime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people fall prey to violent crime gangs and other cult-like organizations. What benefits do they believe they get by being involved with them?
What is the purpose of The Takedown: American Aryans? To entertain? To exploit?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 6, 2025
- Cast : Richard Boening
- Network : Max
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 5, 2025
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