Do you think any UM segments disturbed family members? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Matt C · 07-25-2012, 03:15 AM

It's hard to think of an original thread idea. There are too many UM legends on here.

The first episode of Unsolved Mysteries I watched was the one that featured Jeremy Bright which aired on November 30th, 1988. I was six years old at the time and found the case to be terrifying. Jeremy's mother said the entire ordeal gave her nightmares. Is it possible the episode itself could have given her nightmares?

As respectful as UM was in handling the material of the cases, is it realistic to think this may have happened?

justins5256 · 07-25-2012, 09:30 AM

That's a tough call. It would be interesting to hear the thoughts of someone who was actually in such a position. Maybe Sheila Kimmel will see this thread and comment.

My thoughts...

On one hand, I would think the family members of crime victims or missing persons would want as much exposure for their cause as they can possibly get. Also, there have been instances where a case was solved and the parties involved were interviewed after the fact and expressed thanks to UM for their efforts.

On the other hand, it must be difficult to watch the segment and see the horrible events re-enacted in detail.

So, maybe mixed feelings. However, I tend to think that the hope for a solve and ultimately closure may outweigh the trauma associated with the filming, production and the eventual viewing of the segment. I think it's also important to remember that, in many instances, the family members of the victims contacted UM and asked them to profile their case. I can't imagine that anyone doing so would not be willing and able to undergo all that level of involvement entails.

Matt C · 07-25-2012, 11:45 PM

justins5256 - Great post. I wonder about the segments like Jeremy Bright's where they remain unsolved to this day. Although it seems clear to me what happened that day but with no official outcome, I wonder if Jeremy's mother was scared by the segment itself as well as her memories of the ordeal.

88keys · 07-26-2012, 03:33 PM

In "Who Killed My Daughter," Lois Duncan (Kait Arquette's mom) said that the UM people were great to work with and really seemed to care about the families of the victims. I don't remember her saying that the segment was difficult or gave her nightmares or anything, but it has been a while since I read it.

WishfulDreamer · 07-26-2012, 04:42 PM

I remember shek posting about how the UM crew was very careful to make sure they weren't upsetting her during the interview (and were willing to stop and make sure she was ok or something along those lines) and being very nice all around. I'd have to go find that post.

My relative who helped with the Parker segment (she knew Bobbi, Randy, and Dial as she worked at the prison) said the UM crew was extremely nice and efficient.

RobinW · 07-27-2012, 01:05 PM

I always found it amazing that in the earliest episodes, they could sometimes get a victim's family to appear in the re-enactments! I couldn't imagine what it felt like for Shannon Mohr's parents to film the scene in the hospital where they've just found their daughter died while an actor portraying Dave Davis tries to convince them that Shannon needs to be cremated.

07-25-2012, 03:15 AM	#1
Matt C Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 11, 2011 Posts: 165	Do you think any UM segments disturbed family members? It's hard to think of an original thread idea. There are too many UM legends on here. The first episode of Unsolved Mysteries I watched was the one that featured Jeremy Bright which aired on November 30th, 1988. I was six years old at the time and found the case to be terrifying. Jeremy's mother said the entire ordeal gave her nightmares. Is it possible the episode itself could have given her nightmares? As respectful as UM was in handling the material of the cases, is it realistic to think this may have happened?

07-25-2012, 09:30 AM	#2
justins5256 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 08, 2002 Posts: 3,866	That's a tough call. It would be interesting to hear the thoughts of someone who was actually in such a position. Maybe Sheila Kimmel will see this thread and comment. My thoughts... On one hand, I would think the family members of crime victims or missing persons would want as much exposure for their cause as they can possibly get. Also, there have been instances where a case was solved and the parties involved were interviewed after the fact and expressed thanks to UM for their efforts. On the other hand, it must be difficult to watch the segment and see the horrible events re-enacted in detail. So, maybe mixed feelings. However, I tend to think that the hope for a solve and ultimately closure may outweigh the trauma associated with the filming, production and the eventual viewing of the segment. I think it's also important to remember that, in many instances, the family members of the victims contacted UM and asked them to profile their case. I can't imagine that anyone doing so would not be willing and able to undergo all that level of involvement entails.

07-25-2012, 11:45 PM	#3
Matt C Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 11, 2011 Posts: 165	justins5256 - Great post. I wonder about the segments like Jeremy Bright's where they remain unsolved to this day. Although it seems clear to me what happened that day but with no official outcome, I wonder if Jeremy's mother was scared by the segment itself as well as her memories of the ordeal.

07-26-2012, 03:33 PM	#4
88keys Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 24, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 326	In "Who Killed My Daughter," Lois Duncan (Kait Arquette's mom) said that the UM people were great to work with and really seemed to care about the families of the victims. I don't remember her saying that the segment was difficult or gave her nightmares or anything, but it has been a while since I read it.

07-26-2012, 04:42 PM	#5
WishfulDreamer Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 01, 2009 Location: L.A. Posts: 3,868	I remember shek posting about how the UM crew was very careful to make sure they weren't upsetting her during the interview (and were willing to stop and make sure she was ok or something along those lines) and being very nice all around. I'd have to go find that post. My relative who helped with the Parker segment (she knew Bobbi, Randy, and Dial as she worked at the prison) said the UM crew was extremely nice and efficient.

07-27-2012, 01:05 PM	#6
RobinW Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 14, 2010 Posts: 1,874	I always found it amazing that in the earliest episodes, they could sometimes get a victim's family to appear in the re-enactments! I couldn't imagine what it felt like for Shannon Mohr's parents to film the scene in the hospital where they've just found their daughter died while an actor portraying Dave Davis tries to convince them that Shannon needs to be cremated.