Content note: Suicide <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In March of 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet lit up the night sky \u2014 the brightest comet visible in decades. For most of us, it was a wonder of nature. But for one small group in California, it was a signal: a way to reach what their wide-eyed leader called the Next Level<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thirty-nine people were convinced that to reach that next plane of existence, they would need to leave their human containers behind \u2014 and join the comet on its cosmic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the story of the largest mass suicide in U.S. history, and how science fiction, especially Star Trek<\/em>, shaped the language, symbolism, and beliefs that led them there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.):<\/strong> Call or text 988<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Credits: Website and publishing support thanks to David Moody, Producer: “Let’s Talk About Treks<\/a>” The Podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Artwork for “The Prime Detective” is by Julie Hendrickson<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com\/theprimedetective<\/a><\/p>\n
International resources:<\/strong> findahelpline.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This episode of “The Prime Detective” was produced and hosted by Grayson Thagard.
Music for “The Prime Detective” is composed by Ben Wise: https:\/\/benwise.bandcamp.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n