"Wormwood" is a Netflix docuseries that delves into the complex and intriguing story of Frank Olson, a scientist who worked for the CIA and died under mysterious circumstances in 1953. This series is a unique blend of investigative documentary and dramatic reenactment, offering a deep dive into the murky realms of espionage, covert operations, and government secrets.

Introduction

The series begins by introducing Frank Olson, a biochemist and biological warfare scientist. It sets the stage in the early Cold War era, a time rife with paranoia, espionage, and clandestine activities. The central question posed is about the mysterious circumstances surrounding Olson's death. Officially ruled a suicide, the docuseries raises questions about the involvement of the CIA and the U.S. government in his demise.

The Story

The narrative pivots around Olson's work at Camp Detrick, now known as Fort Detrick, a secret U.S. Army facility focused on biological warfare research. The series reveals that Olson was involved in MKUltra, a CIA program that conducted experiments, sometimes illegal, on mind control and drug effects, primarily using LSD.

The turning point in the story comes in 1953 when Olson reportedly suffered a mental breakdown after being covertly dosed with LSD by his CIA colleagues. This incident, followed by his mysterious fall from a New York hotel room window a week later, forms the crux of the investigation.