**The Mortician: A Haunting HBO Documentary on David Sconce’s Cremation Controversy**
David Sconce, formerly leading a notorious cremation enterprise in Los Angeles, is the center of HBO’s compelling true-crime documentary, “The Mortician.” This three-part series investigates one of the funeral sector’s most disconcerting scandals, exposing the sinister practices that resulted in Sconce’s incarceration.
Sconce’s brazen attitude and unsettling perspectives on the finances of mass cremations establish the atmosphere for the documentary. His notorious remark, “I could cremate one guy in, like, two hours. Or you could put ten of ’em in there and take two-and-a-half hours,” highlights the profit-centric motivations that eclipsed fundamental decency in his operations.
The series narrates the decline of Pasadena’s Lamb Funeral Home, a well-respected family-run establishment until Sconce’s acquisition in the 1980s. Episode 1 examines the initial transformation under David’s control, characterized by dubious cremation figures and the enigmatic death of a young rival. Episode 2 investigates a suspicious blaze, increasing abuse allegations, and a police probe that set off the unraveling of the scandal. By Episode 3, the Lamb family confronts legal conflicts, David faces murder charges, and over 20,000 families come to terms with the harsh truth of what befell their loved ones.
“The Mortician” includes candid testimonies from Sconce’s former spouse, bereaved families, investigators, and morticians who observed the scandal’s repercussions. These narratives vividly illustrate a scandal that rattled the industry and spurred essential reforms. Viewer responses underscore the emotional gravity of the series, emphasizing its significant effect on audiences.
