Darkest depths
In The Dark review
Production company – The New Yorker
Rating – 
Recently, I seem to be spending an inordinate amount of time plumbing the depths of the human experience. Back when I first became a podcast addict, I was only really interested in audio drama and some comedy. I soon got bitten by the true crime bug though, and so here we are. Or rather here you are, reading my thoughts on another true crime podcast whilst you enjoy your elevenses, or whatever you are doing whilst skimming this preamble.
So what’s it about?
In the dark is an investigation into the dark side of the American justice system. Each series covers a different case, and is very well researched. Presented by investigative journalist Madeleine Baran, you will discover police corruption and entrenched racism that you would have thought only existed in movies (well, if you live outside of America I suppose).
Series one covered the kidnapping and murder of Jacob Wetterling, and the discovery of his body almost 27 years later. There are real questions here about the way the sheriff’s department, handled this particular case. Not only this case, but other related cases dating back to before young Jacob’s kidnapping.
Series two covers a multiple homicide in a furniture store, and the subsequent arrest and trials (yes, I did mean to add the “s” on the end) of Curtis Flowers. This series deals with more of the police ignoring certain evidence and single mindedly trying to get someone executed. The fact that Curtis is currently on his 6th trial for this case seems to speak volumes.
Is it any good?
This is yet another podcast that will have you shaking your head in disbelief. Madeleine Baran, and her producer Samara uncover some remarkable evidence. Some that is so important that you wonder why it was not only never presented, but why it was ignored by everyone involved. More shocking than that though, is the ambivalence of certain people when presented with the evidence. If it doesn’t fit the narrative and all that…
The stories are very well presented, and as such, you can get through huge chunks of episodes with ease. The first series was as exciting as it was harrowing. Hearing the family members and friends of Jacob reliving that night was awful, as was the aftermath, with fake psychics and crank calls making the families lives even harder.
My only criticism of series like this, and one that I fear is unavoidable, is that the series can seem to drag on. I really don’t mean any disrespect by that statement. Because there is so much information, sometimes being updated as the series progresses, that the salient points can get lost. This isn’t quite as much of a problem in series one, because it was a historic case. In series two though, there are lots of updates. This is understandable, but towards the end of series two, I did find that some episodes just washed over me.
Final thoughts
As ghoulish as it may sound, I really can’t wait for the next series. Not in a “only seven days till Christmas” way, but more of a looking over the top of the roller coaster drop. The way that those tasked with looking after the public can so completely destroy any trust, either by incompetence or outright deceit is mind blowing.
If you were a fan of Making A Murderer, as most people in the world seemed to be, then you will love this show. My criticism is more of a personal thing, but I felt I should share it I case you were expecting a snappier, shallower show.
You can get In The Dark here:
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