How Scientology leader David Miscavige rose to power, according to insiders

A&E docuseries "Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath" examined how David Miscavige rose to power to become the leader of Scientology.

In order to tell the story of David Miscavige's rise, the series introduced us to former Scientologists with intimate knowledge of the man, including his father Ron Miscavige.

"He rose up through the ranks," Ron, a former Scientologist and author of the book about his relationship with his son, "Ruthless," said on the show.

"He's a tough kid and smart," he continued. "Once [Scientology founder] L.Ron Hubbard died, he saw his opportunity and he moved right up and took power."

For the record, the church has declined to take part in the series. It contends that the statements Remini and the other contributors to the show have made about Scientology are false and are driven by a desire to profit or gain publicity from their time in the religion.

Here's what we learned about David Miscavige from Tuesday's episode: