Wild Boys: A Detailed Summary
Wild Boys is a compelling episode from The Binge series, hosted by Sam Mullins and produced by Campside Media in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment. Released on July 7, 2022, this episode delves into the mysterious story of two brothers who emerged from the wilderness in 2003, captivating a small Canadian community with their tale of survival. However, as Sam Mullins uncovers, the truth behind their story was far more sinister and complex than anyone could have imagined.
1. The Mysterious Arrival in Vernon (00:01 – 01:27)
In the summer of 2003, Vernon, British Columbia, a serene town known for its skiing, beaches, and hockey, became the unlikely setting for an extraordinary event. Sam Mullins recounts his personal experience as a teenager working at a video rental store:
"There are these two boys walking through the orange haze along the shoreline who I'd never seen before. And as it turned out, neither had anyone else." [00:01]
The emergence of these two boys puzzled the community. Sam describes Vernon as a town that "didn't get FM radio until the year 2001," making it an ideal place to conceal secrets. The boys were consistently seen together—barely clothed, without a home, and seemingly out of place.
Tom: "These two wild children appear in our community. They're always together, they're never apart, rags on their back and they don't have a home." [01:01]
2. Community Reactions and Early Observations (01:27 – 02:17)
The townspeople of Vernon were intrigued and concerned by the boys' presence. Sam notes that even among the observant residents, something felt "off" about them.
Rachel: "I don't want to say cult-like, but it just seemed weird. It just wasn't normal. I had no idea what was going on with those two. One just looked so, he was just so emaciated." [01:28]
Tom adds:
"They were kind of odd." [01:27]
The community speculated about the boys' origins:
Tom: "Never seen a telephone, no access to media. They were unfamiliar with television. They were like almost non-existent. You know, it was like finding the lost tribe in New Guinea." [02:03]
3. The Boys' Story and Community Support (02:17 – 02:45)
Responding to the boys' plight, Vernon residents extended their support. The boys claimed they were from the bush, having had no contact with civilization, school, or modern amenities.
Sam Mullins: "The boys said this was their first ever contact with civilization. So the good people of Vernon took them in, made it their mission to help these boys navigate society. Gave them food, clothes, a place to live. Someone even gave them a credit card." [02:17]
This act of kindness quickly turned Vernon into an international media hotspot, drawing attention from far and wide.
4. Unraveling the Truth (02:45 – 03:44)
As the community invested more in the boys' story, inconsistencies began to surface. Rachel expresses her skepticism:
Rachel: "Two young men who said they were raised in the wilds. Their tale was a poignant one, but it simply wasn't true." [02:45]
The situation escalated when it became evident that one of the boys was a danger to himself:
Tom: "It was becoming apparent that he was a danger to himself." [03:09]
Rachel: "No, you have to let me in here." [03:20]
Will, another community member, reflected on the deteriorating situation:
Will: "Where it all started for me was like my acne. And we also have this thing where we're taking you to court for custody. I'm afraid of the government. I'm afraid of cops. Anyone who has the power makes me afraid." [04:05]
The facade the boys had maintained began to crumble, revealing deeper issues beneath their fabricated story.
5. The Departure and Lingering Mysteries (03:44 – 04:05)
With the truth exposed, the boys made a swift exit from Vernon, leaving unanswered questions and a town grappling with the aftermath.
Sam Mullins: "Leaving the people of Vernon wondering for nearly 20 years, what was that all about? What was really going on there? Whatever happened to those boys?" [03:51]
6. Sam Mullins' Quest for Answers (04:05 – End)
Driven by the unresolved mystery, Sam Mullins embarked on a journey to uncover the fate of the boys two decades later. His investigation aims to shed light on the enigmatic encounter that left a lasting impact on Vernon.
Sam Mullins: "I'm Sam Mullins, your host for season three of Chameleon Wild Boys, coming in January from Campside Media and Sony Music." [04:38]
Rachel reflects on the disbelief surrounding the entire episode:
Rachel: "If anyone was to ever hear about it, they'd be like, it's unbelievable. It really is. It's so unbelievable." [04:48]
Conclusion
Wild Boys: Introducing Chameleon: Wild Boys offers a riveting exploration of a real-life mystery that intertwines community, deception, and the quest for truth. Through firsthand accounts and investigative narration, Sam Mullins invites listeners to delve into the enigma that has haunted Vernon for years. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth examination of what truly transpired when two boys walked into town, challenging perceptions and leaving a trail of unanswered questions.
For those intrigued by true crime stories that captivate and captivate, The Binge series, including Wild Boys, is an essential listen. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to feed your true crime obsession.
Notable Quotes:
- Sam Mullins: "There are these two boys walking through the orange haze along the shoreline who I'd never seen before. And as it turned out, neither had anyone else." [00:01]
- Tom: "These two wild children appear in our community. They're always together, they're never apart, rags on their back and they don't have a home." [01:01]
- Rachel: "Two young men who said they were raised in the wilds. Their tale was a poignant one, but it simply wasn't true." [02:45]
- Will: "Anyone who has the power makes me afraid. They're sort of like Nazis, come and take people away." [04:05]
Wild Boys masterfully combines narrative storytelling with investigative journalism, making it a standout episode for fans of true crime and mysterious tales. Join Sam Mullins as he unravels the layers of this intriguing story, promising revelations and insights in the episodes to come.