The Brobergs are deeply enmeshed in the Mormon church community and instill their religious values in their children. Unfortunately, their participation in this community leads them to Robert Berchtold's doorstep. Religion plays a significant role in nearly every episode, including the finale. Even as Jan misguidedly considers killing herself and her sister, she prays for guidance. She genuinely believes she will save her sister from an even worse fate, but her faith makes this decision even more impossible to contemplate.
According to Forbes, Jan's faith may have influenced her ability to believe Berchtold's story about extraterrestrials. Aswell explains, "The religion has a view of the universe that involves other populated planets in the universe and a rich celestial world." Stories about alien life would therefore seem perfectly plausible to a young member of the Mormon church.
Despite his crimes, religion also served as a safe haven for Robert Berchtold. Audiences learn in "The Great Deceiver" that the church sheltered Berchtold after he made unwanted advances toward the bishop's daughter, Nicole Paulsen (Ava Grace Roberts). Instead of taking legal action against him, Bishop Matthew Paulsen (Joe Chrest) refers Berchtold to a non-profit social services organization after the incident. This occurrence is unfortunately common across many religions and isn't unique to the Morman church or the Broberg family.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
