Betrayal: Season 4 - Episode 3: "Revisionist History"

Overview

"Revisionist History," the third episode of Season 4 of Betrayal, delves deep into the harrowing story of Karoline Borega (referred to as Caroline) and her husband, Joel Kern—a respected Colorado Springs Police Officer. This episode unravels the intricate web of deceit Joel spun over two decades, examining how his duplicity not only shattered his marriage but also his public persona. Through poignant narratives and compelling evidence, the episode paints a vivid picture of betrayal, resilience, and the quest for truth.

1. The Day That Changed Everything [00:00 - 06:00]

The episode opens by setting the stage for a pivotal moment in Caroline and Joel's marriage—April 11, 2022. This day marks the revelation of Joel's infidelity, not just as a marital betrayal but as a profound violation of his duty as a police officer.

Joel's Admission:
[06:00] "I'm at the second accident scene. I'll be home in a little bit."

Caroline initially perceives this confession as an isolated incident, believing Joel is overwhelmed by his responsibilities.

2. Early Signs of Deception [06:00 - 14:00]

Caroline reflects on the early signs of Joel's unfaithfulness. Six months post-wedding, Caroline discovers incriminating emails between Joel and a woman who played a significant role in their wedding ceremony.

Caroline's Realization:
[07:25] "Just months after our wedding, Joel was having an online sexual conversation with a woman who was part of our ceremony."

Despite confronting Joel and seeking counseling, Caroline chooses to forgive him, mistakenly believing their bond would overcome this transgression.

3. The Birth of Doubts [14:00 - 25:00]

The birth of their first child becomes a turning point. Joel's absence during the delivery raises red flags, as he claims exhaustion from work. This incident sows seeds of doubt in Caroline's mind about Joel's true character.

Caroline's Concern:
[12:22] "I saw him speeding to our house. He's not at another accident. He's not at the hospital. He's coming from somewhere."

Joel's explanation fails to convince Caroline, leading her to suspect his involvement in activities beyond what he admits.

4. The Rental Property Scandal [25:00 - 37:00]

Joel's management of a rental property becomes the epicenter of further deceit. Accusations surface that Joel was involved romantically with the tenant, which he initially denies, manipulating perceptions to maintain his facade.

Confrontation with the Tenant:
[21:20] "What is going on?"

Upon investigation, it becomes evident that Joel had been using the property for illicit affairs, expertly orchestrating scenarios to evade suspicion.

5. The Unraveling Double Life [37:00 - 47:00]

As Caroline digs deeper, she uncovers multiple affairs Joel engaged in, both within and outside his professional sphere. Internal Affairs gets involved, and testimonies from Joel's colleagues paint a grim picture of his manipulative nature.

Colleague's Insight:
[36:54] "Maybe he had to get permission to just do anything with anyone else from her before he could do that."

Joel's meticulous control over narratives ensures that his double life remains hidden for years, leaving Caroline grappling with shattered trust.

6. The Climactic Revelation [47:00 - 50:00]

The episode builds up to the climax where Joel's web of lies begins to crumble. A critical incident involving Joel's police car raises suspicions, leading Caroline to confront him with undeniable evidence of his deceit.

Joel's Admission:
[28:40] "I met someone on the Internet and we arranged to meet at an exit close to the Air Force Academy."

This confession marks the end of Caroline's illusion of a perfect family, propelling her towards seeking justice and healing.

7. Reflections and Aftermath [50:00 - End]

In the aftermath of Joel's betrayals, Caroline reflects on the erosion of her memories and the profound impact on her perception of reality. The episode emphasizes the lasting scars left by such deep-seated deceit.

Caroline's Reflection:
[46:47] "They destroyed my memory of my entire adult life. Even the best memories... are tainted forever."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Caroline on Discovering the First Affair:
  [07:25] "Just months after our wedding, Joel was having an online sexual conversation with a woman who was part of our ceremony."

• Joel's Repeated Lies about Accidents:
  [25:35] "He was having sex with her at their offices, at the police department in various areas of town or in his police car."

• Caroline Confronting Joel:
  [28:09] "How would that happen then?"

• Joel's Calm Demeanor Amidst Lies:
  [28:20] "That must be a cell phone tower pinging wrong."

• Caroline on the Betrayal's Impact:
  [46:47] "They destroyed my memory of my entire adult life. Even the best memories... are tainted forever."

Conclusion

"Revisionist History" masterfully unpacks the layers of Joel Kern's duplicity, showcasing how one individual's deceit can devastate a family's foundation. Through Caroline's journey, listeners witness the painful unraveling of trust and the arduous path to reclaiming one's life after such profound betrayal. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the resilience required to overcome betrayal.

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring the full breadth of Caroline and Joel's story, be sure to listen to Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal as well as Betrayal Weekly Season 1. Exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions are available by joining the Beyond Betrayal Substack for free.