Deadly Lust

Some people search years to find "the one". Only to live in fear of losing them once they do. They either isolate their lover and fend off every outsider as a potential threat to the relationship. Or go to extreme lengths to satisfy their partner's every need, sacrificing their own identity in the process. A lover who becomes obsessive and possessive is on the fast track to a world of pain.

It's amazing what the heart will endure in the name of love. In a toxic relationship every instinct may be telling us to leave, yet our hearts convince us that things might change. We cling to that hope until the bitter end. But everyone has their breaking point and in this episode we look at the triggers that caused four individuals to reach theirs.

A spurned lover will often try anything to rekindle the flame. But there comes a point when even the most desperate will realize they're fighting a losing battle. Rather than destroy the one who abandoned them, they target the person who took them away - not only removing their rival, but breaking the heart of the one who broke theirs.

No one who embarks on an extra-marital affair, believes they're putting their life at risk. The stolen moments of passion and accompanying subterfuge can be as thrilling as the relationship itself. You can never be sure how others might react to your cheating ways. A jealous husband, a jilted mistress - and you may discover that forbidden fruit tastes sweetest, just before the poison kicks in.

Love triangles rarely end well. When two individuals are in competition for the affections of a third, inevitably someone must lose. It's an incendiary mix of emotions: love, betrayal, lust, jealousy, distrust and resentment. Any of which is enough to drive the injured party to seek retribution. The only question is: when the dust settles, which of the unholy trinity will be left standing?

Breakups are never easy but when a relationship has run its course, most people eventually move on. Some simply can't let go. They stay uncomfortably close and cling to hopes of a loving reunion. The only thing that will dash their dream is being replaced by a new lover. In this episode we look at four cases where hopes were crushed and lust turned lethal.

Leaving a marriage and starting afresh with a new partner can be messy. But if you and your latest lover work as a team, you won't have to start from scratch. No divorce. No prolonged property settlement and immediate ownership of all joint assets. Best of all, no ex-spouse to argue about it. All you need do is make the new love-of-your-life an accessory to murder.

Those who commit crimes of passion often have a spotless criminal record - not even a parking ticket to their name. They may seem the least likely person to commit murder - right up until the very moment they snap. The meekest of souls can be transformed by a lover's betrayal and a harmless exterior is the perfect camouflage for deadly intentions.

We often go into a relationship with great expectations. But if one party is more committed than the other, or has a different vision of the future, someone is headed for bitter disappointment. You may not be able to forecast what's ahead, but if you can spot gathering clouds on the horizon, you'll have better prepared when the storm hits.

Some people live their lives like a lit fuse. Never sure when the explosion will come but feeling it constantly building inside them. Strangely these self-destructive individuals are often irresistibly attractive to others. Lust can mask the path to self-destruction. And before you know it you're on a road trip on the highway to hell.