Making a Murderer Brendan Dassey SHOCKER! Plus, Bergdahl Update & "The Night Of" Predictions

Another episode, another questionable murder conviction vacated.

The panel reacts to the news that a federal magistrate has vacated the conviction of Brendan Dassey, the accused accomplice in the Steven Avery "Making a Murderer" documentary.

Although the public went nuts over what many perceived to be a coerced confession, it was something else the detectives did to the intellectually-challenged teen that violated his Sixth Amendment rights.

More true crime updates: why did a General burn letters related to "Serial" season 2 subject Bowe Bergdahl? And the man accused of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy is also walking out of prison.

Is Naz breaking bad in "On the Night Of"? What is the audience supposed to think of main characters in the HBO limited series at this point?

In the Crime of the Week: POOPACALYPSE! 

Stranger Things, Serial Update(s)& Omar on The Night Of

Well, it took more than one try, but the Crime Writers are getting it done with a well-rehearsed discussion on Netflix's newest breakout hit, "Stranger Things." It's like Stephen King and Steven Spielberg had a baby that was eight-episodes long. (Almost) no spoilers...except that it's freakin' awesome.

We also debut a brand new segment: the TRUE CRIME ROUND-UP!

We've got the latest on the Adnan Syed appeal and the Bowe Bergdahl court martial.

The panel's sharp eyes turn back to HBO's "The Night Of." What was a straight murder mystery is now part prison story, part crime procedural. Half way through, is it losing focus or hitting its stride.

ALSO: Watch for details on the first Crime Writers On live podcast. (Click here for a sort-of RSVP!)

We'll wrap up our summer book club with an audience-participation discussion on Laura Lippman's Wilde Lake. We'll be at the the Hatbox Theater in Concord, NH September 12th. FREE ADMISSION. Surprises galore!

HBO's The Night Of, DNA Mixtures, a Serial Update & Rebecca's Big Win

HBO's The Night Of, DNA Mixtures, a Serial Update & Rebecca's Big Win

It's been more than ten days. What's the latest on whether the state will appeal Judge Welch's decision to vacate Adnan Syed's conviction?

"The Night Of" is sure to be "the show of the summer." This moody, unsettling murder mystery is everything that "True Detective, Season 2" was not.

The Crime Writers talk about what makes this show stand out, whether the cops are playing fair with Naz, and WTF is up with John Turturro's feet.

You think juries can be swayed by faulty cell tower evidence, but how about something as sure-fire as DNA? We hear from science writer Chris Berdik about how DNA mixtures from a single sample are complicating the scientific process...and how the DNA used to convict some suspects is now being used to exonerate them.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! We'll announce which crime book you have chosen for the Crime Writers On first Summer Book Club. Use that Amazon link to buy your copy. We'll have a special interactive show to get your views and discuss our thoughts (bring your own white wine).

Grab your smartphone for the Crime of the Week. People our out in the real world hunting for Pokémon and some are finding more than just Pikachus!

Serial Epilogue: Adnan Syed Gets a New Trial...Maybe

Serial Epilogue: Adnan Syed Gets a New Trial...Maybe

Ever since Sarah talked to Asia the world wondered whether she was the key to getting Adnan Syed a new trial. In the end, it was a single sentence in a pile of thousands of documents.

The result is in. Judge Welch has ruled Adnan's Sixth Amendment rights were violated and he'll get a new trial...if it ever gets that far. The Crime Writers pull apart the decision and discuss where the case may go from here. Does the state have any evidence left? How would 12 Baltimore jurors (who'd never listened to a podcast) size up Adnan? And why could it be years before he gets out of jail? 

The panel is joined by super-professor Colin Miller, who answers questions about the legal ins-and-outs of the ruling. Then the Crime Writers take your questions and voice memos. They also discuss the dilemma of the Alford plea: would you admit your guilt to a crime you didn't commit if it gets you out of prison?  Also, WTF is a jury view like at the scene of a lumber theft?

Here's something new: our first Crime Writers On Summer Book Club show. Each writer has nominated a book. You vote online, then we'll all read and share (bring your own white wine). The nominees are If I Did It by OJ Simpson, I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes, People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry, and Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman.

In the Crime of the Week, one of our listeners makes a marital confession...

OJ: Made in America, Adnan Syed: Made for TV

OJ Made in America, Adnan Made for TV

We've spent a lot of time with the boob tube (ahem) so far this summer. This episode, the Crime Writers take out their ear buds and tune in to some of the season's most talked about television.

The Adnan Syed case finally gets the prime-time treatment on Investigation Discovery. For crime fans who can't figure out how to download a podcast, or those who only know the tale from hearing it at the water cooler, this hour-long special provides an overview of Serial's season one case. But for those who've spent hours and hours devouring minutia about the crime (I'm looking at you cell tower L689!), is there anything in this show for us?

AND - Though you'd think we'd all have had enough of that former Bills running back, especially after the superior drama "The People vs OJ Simpson," ESPN's ambitious documentary may prove you can't get enough of a good thing - if it's a good thing. And "OJ: Made In America" is 450 minutes of a good thing. Race, sex, celebrity...this is why it was the Crime of the Century - and the Crime Writers dive right in.

Also - did the crime writers make the same mistake with "Reply All" that the jury made with Paul Modrowski? And we're going for the gold with the Crime of the Week.

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Related Links:

New Yorker article: The Outcast: Conversations with OJ Simpson 

Investigation Discovery's: Adnan Syed: Innocent or Guilty

ESPN's: OJ: Made in America

Crime of the Week: Gold Medal Returned

'Reply All' Does True Crime & Shines Bright Like King Diamond

'Reply All' Does True Crime & Shines Bright Like King Diamond

Who thought we'd see Serial reborn in a podcast about the internet? Reply All's Sruthi Pinnamaneni brings us a four-part story about an inmate, his blog, the shifty characters associated with his crime, a flimsy evidence and nutty trial, and then - woah! - that final jailhouse interview! It's the podcast that has everyone asking, "Who the eff is King Diamond?"

In this episode, we'll hear from Sruthi about what went into creating the world's latest must-listen-to podcast. Then the panel will give their two-cents on the case and whether Sruthi is the one who finally stuck the landing.

There's also a correction or two. The song says "Don't you forget about me," but we might have forgotten about them.

Finally, you'll be repeating the Crime of the Week over and over again.

Listen to the series "On the Inside" from Reply All:

For years, Paul Modrowski has been writing a blog from inside a maximum security prison. Only thing is, he was arrested when he was 18 and has never seen the internet. Sruthi Pinnamaneni reaches out to him with one small question that alters the course of her next year.

Blogger Paul Modrowski is in prison for a murder he claims that he didn't commit. This week, producer Sruthi Pinnamaneni looks at Paul's life before his conviction, and the crime that landed him behind bars.

Blogger Paul Modrowski is in prison for a murder he claims he didn't commit. This week, producer Sruthi Pinnamaneni looks at his trial, and speaks to the one person who witnessed the murder.

Paul Modrowski is in prison for a murder he claims he didn't commit, and he says he’s been misunderstood because of his autism. This week, we bring you the conclusion of our story. Sruthi meets Paul in prison and explains what she thinks really happened the night of Dean Fawcett’s murder.

Two And A Half Crime Writers (AKA The One Where We Chat With Jon Cryer!)

Two And A Half Crime Writers (A.K.A The One Where We Interview Jon Cryer!)

Why the heck would mega TV and movie star Jon Cryer agree to be on our little podcast? Because he's a fan, dammit! It also turns out that he's a HUGE fan of true crime, including many of the podcasts we've talked about, like Serial and Undisclosed.

But does the artist formerly known as Duckie qualify as a crime writer? YES! (Sort of.) He's got a hilarious memoir, So That Happened, in which he explains his crime scene-rich formative years, including the shooting of his hooker-loving, soup-making next door neighbor. 

So yeah, that happened. We talked to Jon Cryer. And yes, he DID spill the beans on being in Pretty in Pink, the weird antics of Charlie Sheen, and serving on jury duty (more than once!)

Plus, our Crime of the Week tackles the question...of all the child/teen actors you used to love, which one does the panel most which would make a comeback?

Bowraville - The Podcast from a Land Down Under

Bowraville - The Podcast from a Land Down Under

This week, the panel talks about Bowraville, the true crime podcast created by The Australian newspaper. (Scroll down to listen!) Rebecca also connects with Dan Box, the Brit-turned-Aussie who reported the story, and asks, why is your newspaper being called the "unlikely hero" of this never-solved serial murder case? (A hint...it has a little something to do with Rupert Murdoch!)

Also, we tackle some listener queries, and play a voice memo simply because one of you asked us to. As for the crime of the week? Let's just say it puts a new twist on the trustworthiness of babysitters.

Related:

You can listen to Bowraville on the playlist below, or click here to subscribe to The Australian podcast and get the episodes on iTunes.

Also, Rebecca and Lara talked about an awesome book, The Round House, by Louise Erdich.

Bowe Bergdahl's Court Win & The SWAT Team Controversy

Bowe Bergdahl's Court Win & The SWAT Team Controversy

When news broke last week that Bowe Bergdahl's legal team had scored a victory in his case, we weren't sure we understood exactly what happened. So, Kevin reached out to our trusty military legal eagle James Weirick for a quick run-down. As a bonus, we get confirmation that Weirick is, in fact, the manliest man to ever man-up.

Also, the PBS documentary Peace Officer hooked us in but also left us with some questions. As we tackle those, we also wonder, WTF is our local PD doing with a tank?

Plus, Lara gets corrected correctly, we answer a couple of listener inquiries, and the Crime of the Week posits...is it EVER too late to hand out some justice?

These Are Their Stories: A Very Special Law & Order Special

These Are Their Stories: A Very Special Law & Order Special

Kevin and Rebecca are joined by two very special guests to discuss Law & Order: "Original Recipe," AKA, the first series in the juggernaut franchise that's been on the air for nearly three decades.

The panel talks about what makes Law & Order so compelling, their favorite characters, the weird writing tropes of the Law & Order universe, and a lightning round that pits Jerry Orbach against Dennis Farina, and Jill Hennessy against Angie Harmon.

Links:

Meet our brand new special guest panelist Brady Carlson and read his book, Dead Presidents

Rebecca talked about a study that looked at views of law enforcement through the lens of Law & Order. Here's an article about that. 

And, if you want to see Brady Carlson's Happy Birthday photo signed by Jerry Orbach, here it is:

S2 Ep 13: Endings are Important! Plus, Our Podcast & Media Picks

Endings are Important! Plus, Our Podcast & Media Picks

The crime writers respond to a listener's very British rant about the critical nature of endings in a good story, talk about what TV shows totally failed at the end, and settle a long-term marital dispute that's been tearing Kevin and Rebecca apart.

In response to a less swear-filled voice memo (and dozens of listener emails), the panel gives their picks for podcasts, books, and TV worth consuming.

Plus, the Crime of the Week delves in to Australia's long national nightmare and reveals that there's a killer living with one of the panel! Watch out, Toby!!!

Our Media Picks:

Rebecca's picks: 

Listen: Embedded podcast & Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People

Read: Silent City by Alex Segura

Watch: The Americans (AKA the BEST SHOW ON TV)

Also check out: Hinterland on Netflix

Toby's Picks:

Listen: You Must Remember This podcast

Read: Of Better Blood by Susan Moger 

Watch: Billions

Also check out: Jodorowsky's Dune (documentary film) and Deep Water (doc film on Netflix)

Lara's Picks:

Listen: Modern Love podcast

Read: Outfoxed by Rita Mae Brown

Watch: Outlander, Season 2

Also check out: Belgravia, by Julian Fellowes

Kevin's Picks:

Listen: Guys We F**cked

Read: The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett

Watch: Bosch on Amazon Prime

Also check out: Game of Thrones, people!

S2 Ep 12: Does Someone Know Something? Damned if We Know.

Does Someone Know Something? Damned if We Know.

The Crime Writers talk about another true crime podcast, Someone Knows Something, the Canadian-crafted cold case show that's holding firm on the charts. Rebecca also checks in with the show's creator and host, David Ridgen.

Also, we talk about the kerfluffle over Asia McClain's book announcement,  find out what celebrity Toby most resembles and ask him, "Why oh why did you leave your sister hanging?"

Then, the gang answers a few listener questions before going on to the Crime of the Week which delves into the gang's vanity...and crippling insecurity.

Related:

Wondering how Kevin's Fritz Wetherbee impression stacks up to the real deal? Check out this video - and then google a few more. 

Want proof that Toby looks exactly like Brad Pitt and Rebecca resembles Nicole Kidman? Check out the photos below, and then find out what celebrity you resemble on this creepy, creepy web site. 

S2 Ep 11.5: The People Vs. Serial Season 2 - Was OJ The Better-Told Story?

The People Vs. Serial Season 2 - Was OJ The Better-Told Story?

The Crime Writers welcome very special guest Lt. Col (R) James Weirick on board to talk about the art of storytelling, and whether Serial delivered on the big promises it made in season 2.

We also take apart the storycraft behind The People Vs. OJ Simpson, and how the cast, the plot frame, and even the casting of Ross as Robert Kardashian affected that show's arc.

Plus, we listen to some pithy listener voice memos and tackle a juvenile crime of the week. 

A special thanks to classy-voiced British journalist Emma Finamore for reading some of the items our listeners from across the pond purchased on Amazon UK! 

Mentioned in the Episode:

Check out Toby's handwritten plot outline of Serial seasons 1 and 2:

Here's the article Toby mentioned in which the courtroom sketch artist compares the actors' portrayals to the real people in the OJ Simpson case.

What's on Weirick's Netflix list? Here you go:

1. Bronson

2. H.H. Holmes, America's First Serial Killer

3. Carl Panzram, The Spirit of Hatred and Vengeance

4. Punch-Drunk Love

5. Mirage Men

Crime of the Week link:

Read the Orange Street News, the greatest newspaper ever written by a kid.

S2 Ep 11: Reporting For The End (of Serial Season 2)

Reporting For The End (of Serial Season 2)

After eleven episodes, Sarah and team tapped out of season two. In "Present for Duty," the Serial squad does some solid enterprise reporting into whether anyone was actually killed or wounded in efforts to recover Bowe.

While saving judgement on the season as a whole until next week, the panel breaks down the series finale. Did Ken Wolf's declaration make a difference in the minds of those who want the maximum punishment for Bowe Bergdahl? Do the fates of Jimmy Hatch and Matt Allen make it harder to forgive Bowe for his actions?

The Crime of Week is a shocker! A NC man gets arrested because of an overdue video rental. Please be kind and rewind.

Links:

Here's more on the case that Lara mentioned of the guy who gave a whole of people Hepatitis

And here are two links (one and two) about the research into brain wiring of liberals and conservatives - something Rebecca mentioned in the show

S2 Ep 10.5: JAGged Little Pill, Your Questions, & A People Vs. OJ Breakdown

JAGged Little Pill, Your Questions, & A People Vs. OJ Analysis

It's yet another a super long episode! (Sorry about that.)

But hey, at least there are t-shirts you guys can buy. Here's the link to those. 

For civilians, is there something about Serial Season 2 that neither we nor Sarah fundamentally get?

Rebecca and Kevin have a talk with JAG Lt Col James Weirick (ret), one of the hosts of the Task and Purpose Radio podcast. Weirick shares his take on Bowe, how the legal case against him is playing out, and what military listeners are saying about Serial Season 2. He also confesses to stalking Sarah Keonig in a "non-criminal" way.

We also answer a few listener questions (including one from Michael Jackson's old house!) and Kevin makes yet another terrible transition into our sponsor's ads. There's also a meaty discussion about our latest TV obsession, "The People vs OJ Simpson." What started as a cheesy, escapist miniseries has become a riveting character study - and maybe a feminist manifesto?.

So a guy walks into a sushi bar with a giant snake.  And he says, "This sounds like it could be the Crime of Week." Let the good times maki roll. 

James Weirick's webpage

Task & Purpose website (podcast)

S2 Ep 10: We Never Promised You A Rose Garden - Serial Season 2

We Never Promised You A Rose Garden

The Crime Writers dissect almost every aspect of Serial, Season 2, Episode 10, "Thorny Politics." It gets so deep that Rebecca feels the need to include extra out-takes for comic relief.

Plus, Kevin explains what a "news fixer" is and makes a better-than-last-week transition into our ads, Rebecca asks whether or not public radio reporters are SO committed to journalistic neutrality that they only talk to Republicans, we hear what a traffic report in New Hampshire would have sounded like a decade ago, and the panel discusses a Crime of the Week designed for the twenty-five percent.

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Related:

Here's the New York Times article that gets mentioned about twelve times during this episode

An Atlantic story about news fixers and how they decide which crimes you actually hear about on network TV

Rebecca mentioned this reddit thread in which a user made a comment about Sarah Koenig's use of sources and public radio's reporters' fear of being seen as "liberal shills"

The Crime of the Week: An Alabama man faces charges for stealing almost $200,000 in quarters, which weighed about 10,000 pounds.

S2 Ep 9.5: Ruff Week, Trumping Bowe, OJ on the Side, & Downton's Downturn

S2 Ep 9.5: Ruff Week, Trumping Bowe, OJ on the Side, & Downton's Downturn

The Crime Writers talk about why it's not a good idea to say you think someone committed a murder in public and also  cover some new developments around Bowe Bergdahl media projects and his lawyer's request to interview Donald Trump.

Plus,  there are some silly ads, and after those, a discussion about The People Versus O.J. Simpson and that Downton Abbey finale, which Toby has a whole lot of opinions about. 

Also, the Crime of the Week gives Kevin a case of the 'Green Apple Splatters.'

S2 Ep 9: Trade...Ahem...Secrets - Serial Season 2

S2 Ep 9: Trade...Ahem...Secrets

The Crime Writers zoom all around a huge episode of Serial in which Sarah unpacks the attempts at diplomacy that led (and didn't lead) to Bowe Bergdahl's release. 

Also, we talk about that mysterious throat clearing incident, beg our listeners to start watching The Grinder, and frame a whole episode around what you thought we should talk about. Plus, THAT KNIFE FOUND AT OJ SIMPSON'S HOUSE!!!

Listen:

Related:

Here are the books recommended by the panel during our ad for Audible.com (we're linking to the physical books through Amazon):

Kevin's pick: The Girl in the Spider's Web: A Lisbeth Salander novel, continuing Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series

Lara's Pick: Three Can Keep a Secret: A Joe Gunther Novel (Joe Gunther Series)

Rebecca's Pick: A Banquet of Consequences: A Lynley Novel

Listener Sarah's Pick: Big Little Lies

S2 Ep 8.5: Bowe's Brain, Loose Story Threads, & Listener Questions - Serial Season 2

Bowe's Brain, Loose Story Threads, & Listener Questions

The Crime Writers pick at some loose threads from Serial's recent episodes, and talk with an actual expert on about how Bowe's personality disorder may have led to his walking away but also helped him cope with five years in captivity.

Plus, Toby's away! But we have an able-bodied PT Stud sitting in his place, reporter and Outside/In podcast host Sam Evans-Brown.

Also, the Crime of the Week puts the Crime Writers on the spot when it comes to internet sleuthing.

Links:

Here's that Daily Mail article about the girlfriend Bowe Bergdahl had when he walked away.

Remember when Sam Evans-Brown said he "wasn't that fast" a runner? Yeah, he's a liar. Check out the results of this 2014 5K in Concord, NH, in which nearly 3,000 people participated. Spoiler alert: he placed 7th.