Black Widow, Baby

The 'Black Widow, Baby' episode of the 'Stuff Mom Never Told You' podcast, hosted by Annie and Samantha, delves into the archetype of the female serial killer known as the Black Widow. The hosts begin by establishing the definition of a Black Widow killer as a woman who murders three or more people, usually her spouses or significant others, for financial gain. They typically use poison as their method of choice and are characterized by a blend of serial killer and con artist traits. The term 'Black Widow' is officially recognized by the FBI and is associated with financial gain as a motive for murder, including insurance or welfare fraud.

Annie and Samantha explore the cultural and media representations of Black Widows, noting the difficulty in researching the topic due to the Marvel character of the same name. They discuss variations of the Black Widow trope, such as the Cartwright curse, which involves characters whose romantic partners often die, and the male counterpart known as the Bluebeard. The hosts also touch on related tropes like the 'sleeping your way to the top' and 'gold digger,' which are often unfairly weaponized against women. The episode features a range of media examples, from classic films like 'Arsenic and Old Lace' to modern interpretations in shows like 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'

Transitioning to real-life instances, the podcast presents historical cases of notorious Black Widows, such as Britain's Mary Ann Cotton and France's Marie Besnard. These women's chilling stories of multiple murders through poisoning for financial benefit are recounted, highlighting the cunning and ruthlessness often attributed to Black Widow killers. The hosts discuss how these women exploited vulnerabilities, targeting lonely or grieving individuals, and how they maintained their deadly schemes for years before being caught. The episode concludes with contemporary examples, including the Black Widow of Henderson County and the Black Widow of Kyoto, illustrating the continued relevance and fascination with this dark figure in society.