Last night's episode of "Amish Mafia" was titled, "The Reckoning." Levi is the head of the "Amish Mafia" in Lancaster, Pa. and Merlin heads the "Amish Mafia" in Ohio.
The series focused on how the Old Order Amish keep law and order in their community. This episode, an addendum to the series, addressed the happenings of the past season and how it affected them. Levi and his crew met in an undisclosed location to meet with the producers to clear up any questions viewers may have.
All were adamant that they were not actors and were acting the way they would have there not been cameras around. In Lancaster and every Amish community, there is a directory with a listing of every person of Amish descent, so they may trace their heritage. In Lancaster, the Descendants of Christian Fisher is the book that has been continuously been updated since the 1700s.
Although there are many Amish who are simple, God-fearing individuals, but many are using modern technology. Those who have not been baptized, work outside of Amish law. Merlin felt that it is time someone rose up and became a voice for the Amish community, which is why he allowed them to film him.
When asked if she leads a double life, Esther replied that she does her chores during the day, but wants to have fun at night, but she still has the morals she was raised with. Her brother, John said that he lived at home at times and lives in the huts too. Jolin said that he went to bars and is sure there are pictures online of him, but that is just a different aspect of his life. Nobody is at their job 24/7 no matter what their religion is.
Merlin said that the producers put scenes together that made him look weak, and they also filmed when other members asked for no cameras. Merlin answers to God at the end of the day and nobody else.
Steven Breit, a defense attorney told the producer that crime is on the rise in the Amish community. He has seen drug cases and assault charges. They deal in cash payment.
Alan Beiler, the Schwarz-Amish was adopted by the Beiler family when he was nine years old. The disturbing phone call to Levi when he came out of jail caused speculation among viewers. Alan believed that Levi was the one who sent him to jail, the one who made the call to police. Alan is a threat to Levi and Alan knows that he could destroy Levi's power in the community.
At underground events known as "hut parties," the Amish fraternizes with outsiders. There are drinking and marijuana, known to the Amish as "green corn." However, the attorney knows first-hand that the drug problem goes beyond pot. Jolin feels that it is easier for the Amish to get away with drug use because of their secretive customs.
The Amish preferred to police themselves, and in one scene, they found where marijuana was growing and destroyed it. Both Alan and Merlin admitted to using drugs and selling them. Alan also stated that he was sexually abused in the Amish/Mennonite community by two different men. In the sub-culture of the Amish community, there are secrets. The exposure of the Amish Mafia has opened doors to parts of the community that the general public would not expect. The attorney prefers to call it a secret society rather than Mafia.
The producers were surprised to find that the Amish conduct brutal barn fights where betting is commonplace. When asked how they conduct this without the bishops getting involved, Alan said that because Amish men are strong from the work, they do, the bishops would rather they stayed within the community with these fights, rather than taking them outside of the community. Levi was very evasive regarding the barn fights.
Discussing John going behind the backs of Alvin and Levi while he was away and conducting the buggy races, was a slap in their faces. Esther questioned John about his friendship with Alvin, but John knows that they could never be friends again after they wrecked his buggy. Jolin was very upset that he brought Merlin into Lancaster. Jolin feels that John means well, but he is crazy.
Both Esther and John believe that Levi has taken over John's rightful spot among the community. Esther is far from the meek Amish type woman. They seem to think Esther only thinks about personal gain. Alan Beiler feels that Esther is a controlling woman, and he objects to how Levi is falling for her tricks and games.
Jolin told the cameras that although Esther pretends to be this cute little Amish girl, she has a rap sheet. Levi did not want the cameras to show another thing about Esther.
Merlin was featured as one who wants to take over Lancaster and throw Levi out. What surprised viewers was that Merlin was a felon that spent time in prison. He said that he survived prison because he did not act like he was highest on the food chain. His charges were possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Esther warned John to avoid Merlin.
Levi made a master chess move by going to the bishop in his community and having him shunned. Because he is shunned, he cannot eat at the same table with his family, he cannot work for people of the community, and his business is non-existent. When asked if Merlin returns to Lancaster, what his plan would be, Levi would not discuss it at all.
Merlin did visit Alan Beiler in prison but would not discuss anything about the visit. Discussing Merlin, Jolin told the cameras that there is a lot of inbreeding in Ohio, and he is probably the result of that. Merlin refused to discuss his ultimate plan with the producers.
When Jolin paid a visit to an Amish man who refused to pay Levi, he shot up his crops. In Ohio, Merlin and an accomplice took an axe to one of Levi's vehicles.
They also discussed how the cameramen were in danger during a buggy race and how one cameraman was too close to the buggy and was nearly killed.
Now Levi is left with Alan and Steve because Jolin and John are no longer in his Mafia. Levi would not discuss any further plans.
Merlin discussed Esther stating that she is controlling, and John is a follower. He wants to reprogram Esther. She likes her men and when asked if she wanted to come clean about footage that Merlin claims to have with her, she would not admit to anything. Merlin plans to open up Esther's heart through God. The producers found footage of Esther and Merlin kissing. Merlin admitted that Levi would crap his pants if he sees that footage.
In the end, Levi lost part of his army; Merlin lost his place in the community; Jolin is not going down easily; Alan Beiler wants revenge, and Esther is the object of the love of these powerful leaders. In March, there will be a two-hour presentation and hopefully, there will be answers to the continuing growing questions presented by this eye-opening expose into the "Amish Mafia."
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