Episode Summary: "The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley - For Better, for Worse | Episode 4"

Introduction

In Episode 4 of Season 7, titled "For Better, for Worse," Wondery's Hollywood & Crime delves deep into the tumultuous relationship between actor Robert Blake and his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. This episode meticulously unravels the events leading up to Bonny's tragic murder, the ensuing investigation, and the complex web of relationships and motives surrounding the case.

Bonny Lee Bakley and Robert Blake: A Rocky Union

Bonny Lee Bakley, a charismatic and ambitious woman, fulfilled her lifelong dream of marrying a Hollywood celebrity—Robert Blake. Their union, however, was far from the fairy tale Bonny had envisioned. The episode opens with Bonny navigating the precarious balance between her personal aspirations and the constraints imposed by her marriage to Blake.

Bonny Lee Bakley expressed her determination to marry Robert Blake despite the challenges, stating, "Nothing could stop her from marrying Robert Blake." [07:58]

The Prenuptial Agreement: Control and Manipulation

A significant focal point of their relationship was the prenuptial agreement meticulously crafted by Blake's lawyer, Carrie Goldstein. The prenup was heavily skewed in Blake's favor, dictating stringent terms that severely limited Bonny's autonomy.

Detective Ron Ito highlights Bonny's resilience against the prenup: "Bonny didn't care. It wasn't about Blake's money." [08:21]

Despite warnings from Goldstein about the agreement's fairness, Bonny's desire for marriage and stability overrode her concerns, leading her to sign the document against her better judgment.

The Investigation Begins: Detective Ito's Pursuit

Detective Ron Ito emerges as the central figure in the investigation, tirelessly pursuing leads to uncover the truth behind Bonny's murder. The episode portrays Ito's relentless determination and methodical approach to solving the case.

Detective Ito reflects on Blake's recklessness: "Criminals get caught because they talk too much. Blake assumed he could trust McLarty not to say anything." [04:10]

Key Witnesses and Unexpected Turns

Several pivotal interviews shed light on the suspicious activities and potential motives surrounding Robert Blake. One such witness, Gary McLarty—a retired stuntman and Blake's former stunt double—claims that Blake approached him to orchestrate Bonny's murder.

McLarty recounts the encounter: "Blake said there was a woman he needed to do something about. A woman he claimed he had sex with once. And then she got pregnant." [00:13]

Another crucial interview with Roy "Snuffy" Harrison, McLarty's mutual friend, corroborates the narrative of Blake's intent to eliminate Bonny to secure custody of the child. Their connections paint a picture of premeditation and deceit.

Bonny's Struggles and Final Days

The episode poignantly portrays Bonny's struggles within her marriage and her endeavors to sustain her business, United Singles Inc. Bonny's attempts to gain independence and assert her rights only intensified the tensions between her and Blake.

Bonny expresses her frustration and resilience: "I didn't know how things were all going to turn out and everything." [14:58]

Her decision to embark on a road trip—ostensibly for a honeymoon—serves as the final act leading to her untimely death. The route chosen by Blake and accompanied by his bodyguard, Earl Caldwell, was later scrutinized for its secluded and perilous nature.

The Murder and Escalating Suspicion

Bonny's murder remains the focal point of the investigation. Detectives Ito and his partners uncover a series of suspicious activities, including Blake's attempts to manipulate witnesses and control the narrative through the elaborate prenup and deceitful communications.

Detective Ito summarizes the growing evidence: "They have multiple witnesses who can connect Blake with all three of the stuntmen. But it's not a home run." [32:22]

Despite mounting evidence, the case faces significant hurdles due to the questionable credibility of some witnesses and the formidable defense likely to be mounted by Blake's legal team.

Conclusion: A Web of Deceit and Unanswered Questions

Episode 4 masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative drama, painting a comprehensive picture of Bonny Lee Bakley's life, her marriage to Robert Blake, and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her death. As Detective Ito edges closer to the truth, the episode leaves listeners pondering the depths of manipulation and the lengths to which individuals might go to preserve their facades.

Tracy Patton poignantly captures Bonny's longing for normalcy: "Bonnie hoped Marjorie could help her plot her next move, but her answer was church." [43:34]

The episode concludes with unresolved tensions and the promise of further revelations, setting the stage for subsequent episodes to delve deeper into the mystery of Bonny Lee Bakley's murder.

Notable Quotes

• "Detective Ito races down the hall of the North Hollywood Police Station...” [00:13]

• "Don't sign this, Bonnie. We can still renegotiate." - Detective Ron Ito [06:59]

• "If you back out of the marriage, he gets custody of the baby.” [08:21]

• "Criminals get caught because they talk too much. Blake assumed he could trust McLarty not to say anything.” - Detective Ron Ito [04:10]

• "Nothing could stop her from marrying Robert Blake.” [08:51]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Hollywood & Crime offers a gripping exploration of ambition, control, and the dark side of Hollywood relationships. Through detailed storytelling and compelling interviews, Wondery presents a nuanced examination of a high-profile murder case, keeping listeners engaged and eager for more insights in the episodes to come.