The Turning - Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Episode: S3:EP 5 - Paradise Lost
Release Date: July 22, 2025

Introduction

The Turning delves deep into the harrowing experiences of Lindsay Tornambe, who at the tender age of 13, was selected to serve as one of the youngest Maidens in the River Road Fellowship, a cult based in rural Minnesota. This episode, titled "Paradise Lost," explores the intricate dynamics within the cult, Lindsay's evolving relationship with its leader Victor, and the pivotal moments that ultimately led to her escape.

Early Life and Adjustment as a Maiden

Lindsay's early years in the cult were marked by a veneer of normalcy amidst an oppressive environment. She reminisces about the serene lake near their compound, describing its beauty and tranquility:

"It reminded me of glass, especially when it was so still... It was a very beautiful, peaceful place." ([02:48] Lindsay)

However, as Lindsay transitioned into her role as a Maiden, the facade began to crumble. The initial fear and loneliness gradually gave way to a complex mix of emotions towards Victor and the cult's doctrines.

The Symbolism of Paradise Lost

Victor introduced the Maidens to John Milton's Paradise Lost, an epic poem that became a cornerstone of their indoctrination:

"Paradise Lost is kind of. It's a book about the fall of Adam and Eve and how our world became cursed." ([06:02] Lindsay)

Victor leveraged the poem's themes to reinforce his control, urging the Maidens to envision their own version of paradise—a personal utopia on another planet they could design. This ideal was used to cement their dedication:

"Look at how great this paradise is. If you fall from grace, you'll miss out." ([06:21] Alin Lance Lesser)

Lindsay and her peers shared their visions of paradise, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose:

"I wanted my heaven to look like a huge tree house... connecting all to one another with monkeys and flowers and streams and waterfalls." ([07:17] Lindsay)

Evolving Relationships and Internal Dynamics

As years passed, Lindsay began to see Victor in a different light. Moments of camaraderie, such as late nights at the pottery shop and shared musical sessions, allowed her to develop genuine bonds with fellow Maidens:

"The bond that the maidens shared, it was deep, it was real. It was beautiful what we had in the midst of such horrific circumstances." ([13:35] Lindsay)

Despite these positive interactions, Victor's control remained pervasive. The Maidens were expected to report on one another, and any deviation from his expectations was met with reprimand:

"I remember getting yelled at for waking up late." ([09:54] Erica Lance)

Lindsay served as a creative outlet within the cult, handling music and songwriting, which provided her with a semblance of individuality amidst oppression.

Victor's Abuse and Psychological Manipulation

Victor's authoritarian rule was characterized by both spiritual and physical abuse. The Maidens were coerced into sexual relationships under the guise of divine duty:

"Victor had sex with them. The pearl of River Road Fellowship." ([34:05] Alin Lance Lesser)

Lindsay recounts the internal conflict and conditioning that made it difficult to resist Victor's advances:

"I eventually thought I did love him, like truly loved him and would do anything for him." ([15:45] Lindsay)

This manipulation was deeply entwined with their religious beliefs, making escape seem both spiritually and emotionally daunting.

Cracks in the Fellowship and Rising Dissent

The first significant crack appeared when a woman from River Road reported Victor's coercion to the police, revealing his extramarital affairs:

"Victor had sex with some of the married women in the group." ([34:54] Alin Lance Lesser)

Victor's response was to use religious justifications to absolve his actions, reinforcing his godlike status within the cult:

"Everything was the blood of the lamb covers it all the way." ([35:40] Lindsay)

This revelation sowed seeds of doubt among the Maidens, culminating in Jess's courageous decision to leave the cult in 2008, a move that profoundly impacted Lindsay:

"I wanted to get married and have a life of my own." ([31:25] Lindsay)

Lindsay's reaction was a mix of anger and fear, intensifying her sense of entrapment and commitment to the cult's promised paradise.

Lindsay's Journey Towards Escape

Lindsay's visit to Brazil in 2009 marked a turning point. Exposure to the outside world ignited a realization that life beyond River Road was possible:

"Being in Brazil and basically seeing people live their normal lives was so eye-opening." ([43:53] Lindsay)

Upon returning to Washington State with the remaining Maidens, Lindsay found herself grappling with the cult's evolving dynamics and her own desires for autonomy.

A pivotal moment occurred during a casual evening watching March of the Penguins, where Lindsay voiced her dissent:

"I didn't really agree with Victor sleeping with some of the married women... I felt like I wanted to move on from the maidens and get married someday." ([46:59] Lindsay)

Despite attempts by Victor's right-hand woman, Jan, to persuade her to stay, Lindsay's resolve remained unshaken. The culmination of these experiences led her to make the life-altering decision to leave River Road in 2010, after a decade of servitude:

"In 2010, after 10 years as a maiden, I was leaving." ([49:35] Lindsay)

Her departure was fraught with fear and uncertainty, symbolizing the end of her captivity and the beginning of her quest for freedom.

Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Paradise Lost not only narrates Lindsay's personal struggle but also serves as a broader commentary on the seductive nature of cults and the psychological chains that bind individuals. The episode intricately weaves literary symbolism with real-life trauma, illustrating how indoctrination and manipulation can distort one's perception of love, faith, and self-worth.

Lindsay's story is a testament to human resilience and the arduous journey towards reclaiming one's identity and autonomy from the shadows of manipulation and abuse.

Notable Quotes

• "Paradise Lost is kind of. It's a book about the fall of Adam and Eve and how our world became cursed." — Lindsay (06:02)

• "Look at how great this paradise is. If you fall from grace, you'll miss out." — Alin Lance Lesser (06:21)

• "I eventually thought I did love him, like truly loved him and would do anything for him." — Lindsay (15:45)

• "Everything was the blood of the lamb covers it all the way." — Lindsay (35:40)

Conclusion

The Turning masterfully captures the complex interplay of power, faith, and personal agency within a cult environment. Episode 5, "Paradise Lost," serves as a poignant exploration of Lindsay Tornambe's descent into and eventual escape from the River Road Fellowship, offering listeners a profound insight into the challenges of breaking free from psychological captivity.