Escaping the Prophet

Escaping the Prophet aired in 2014 on TLC and is a powerful documentary series that peers into a world that many people know little about. The show centers on the trials, tribulations, and, most significantly, the courage of those who seek a fresh start outside the confines of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church), notably a prophet-led sect of the Mormon Church.

The lead character in this gripping and enlightening series is Flora Jessop. Flora grew up in the FLDS Church and bravely decided to escape when she was a teenager. Since then, she's been working tirelessly to help others find their way out of the community and start life anew. Because she survived and escaped the same harrowing ordeal, Flora serves as a compelling and empathetic figure, ideally positioned to aid those seeking to break their shackles.

FLDS is an offshoot of the mainstream Mormons and is known for its strict patriarchal order. At the helm is the Prophet and his circle of Apostles, who dictate what members should and should not do within the community. However, the realities of the FLDS become truly concerning when one delves deeper into its practices including polygamy, child marriages, and the subjugation of women, while the outside world is portrayed as sinful and dangerous, making it even harder for members to leave.

Every episode of Escaping the Prophet presents completely different stories, focusing on different individuals or families who are on the brink of making the difficult choice to break free from an organization that has framed their beliefs, relationships, and sense of self. Flora, alongside her team of former FLDS members, strives to assist these individuals in their daunting transition to the world beyond the community. This often includes legal assistance, navigating government programs, and offering touchstones of support throughout the struggle of adjusting to an entirely new way of life.

Feelings of betrayal, fear, guilt, and confusion run high, and it's here that Flora truly shines as a beacon of hope. She manages to dispel the fear of retribution, guide the members through the labyrinth of challenging choices, and helps them recover their personal freedom and independence.

The show offers an exceptional narrative, but it is also visually powerful, capturing the dramatic landscapes of isolated communities in Arizona and Utah, which have served as a retreat for FLDS. The time and care spent in showcasing these spaces give viewers a profound sense of what life looks like within these communities.

Each episode focuses not just on the process of escaping, but the aftermath—what does one do once they have successfully exited the community? Whether it’s learning to drive, understanding how to grocery shop for oneself, or adapting to being able to make personal choices—the adjustment process is both exciting and intimidating for those who have lived their entire lives under the shadow of the Prophet.

As every story unfolds, Flora, who has walked the same difficult path, is right there beside them, coaching them, supporting them, inspiring them to rediscover their strength, and teaching them to reclaim their right to make personal life choices.

The show reflects a very nuanced reality, prompting viewers to question the complexities of religious freedom and fundamental human rights. It can be challenging to watch, but it is equally captivating. Flora's hard mission to fight against the odds sheds a harsh light on cult psychology, the power of belief, and the immense courage it takes to break free.

Overall, Escaping the Prophet offers a unique perspective into a hidden world while shining a spotlight on the aspect of human resilience. It is highly recommended for those interested in the complexities of organized religion, cults and the personal stories of those who grapple with making drastic life changes in their search for freedom and self-identity. It educates and inspires viewers with its raw, relentless depiction of courage in the face of imposing resistance.