The first episode of the new series, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter, offers a glimpse into Natalia Grace’s complicated past with the Mans family, who adopted her. It also highlights her attempts to gain independence from them.
In the beginning, viewers meet the DePaul family, close friends of Natalia’s who previously tried to adopt her before she ended up with the Mans family. Nicole DePaul reveals that she has been in touch with Natalia’s boyfriend, Neil, from the U.K. According to Nicole, Natalia has shared her desire to leave the Mans family and move out of their home. Although she has no direct evidence, Nicole suspects that the Mans family might be exploiting Natalia while receiving financial aid for her care.
Now at 21, Natalia has experienced growing tensions with the Mans family regarding her freedom and love life. Recently, Antwon Mans made a concerning phone call to the show’s producers. He expressed his concerns about Natalia, saying, “Something isn’t right with Natalia,” and added that he felt she was acting like an enemy in their house.
The Mans family is anxious that Neil is trying to disrupt their relationship with Natalia and convince her to leave home. This issue becomes a central topic in the new season’s first episode.
Natalia tells the producers that she regretted thinking about moving to the U.K. and claims she has stopped talking to Neil. However, the Manses were troubled by her secretive communication with him, leading Antwon to suggest that Natalia seemed "possessed by the devil."
Terrence Kinnard, an attorney for Natalia’s former adoptive father, Michael Barnett, criticizes the Mans family, describing them as controlling and likening their household to a “cult.” He emphasizes that their income largely comes from government funding for their many adopted children and that Antwon and Cynthia’s goal is to maintain control over them.
The Mans family has not addressed the serious accusations made against them during the series.
As the documentary continues, it appears that Natalia is still in contact with Neil and is still exploring the possibility of leaving the Mans family. In a message shown on screen, she expresses her frustration, saying, “I said I want to go and they said I was being mental.”
With Neil’s support, Natalia contacts Nicole, and together they devise a plan for her escape. Nicole, who lives in Upstate New York, travels to Tennessee with her daughter, hoping to bring Natalia back with them. The plan involves Natalia leaving during a church service just before Christmas in 2023.
However, when the DePaul family anticipates Natalia’s arrival, she does not show up, leaving everyone wondering what choice she will ultimately make.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter is set to premiere on January 6 and 7 on Investigation Discovery, and will also be available for streaming on Max.
