From The Booking Desk:

The success of the “Serial” podcast can only be described as a phenomenon. One of those times when something in the ether gels and a piece of pop culture goes from relative obscurity to fanaticism (or more accurately in “Serial’s” case: from healthy listenership to constant reference in the unlikeliest of locations).

I first heard about “Serial” from my dear friend Ann, who lives in Australia (so yes, this show has reach). When she mentioned that I should be listening to this podcast, I was instantly intrigued. Ann knows me pretty well, so if she was recommending this, then this was probably something that was going to interest me. Of course, life got in the way and then Bouchercon came around, so I never did check it out. Then an odd thing started happening that first week of November. I would be in a random conversation with someone and they would mention “Serial.” This happened more times than I can count. And then Bouchercon – I can’t even tell you the number of conversations I had and/or overheard in which the topic du jour was “Serial.”

Quickly upon returning home after the conference, I started listening. And like many others, I was instantly hooked. I binge-listened to as many episodes as I could and was soon anxiously awaiting new segments along with (it seemed) everyone else.

Because I knew that “Serial” was reaching an audience that had varying levels of exposure to true crime tales and crime writing in general, I had the idea to approach some crime writers and fans to get their take on “Serial.” I wanted to encourage fans of the podcast to realize that “Serial” has much in common with the best of crime writing (fiction or non) happening today.

To say that the reaction I got was unexpected would be an understatement. Instead of having everyone jump on board saying of course – and let me say here, I did get a fair number of those responses – but instead I received some kickback from people telling me that they didn’t think “Serial” was successful or worthy of the time investment. This reaction intrigued me, as by this time, I myself was becoming disenchanted with “Serial.”

Most of those with strong negative feelings have opted not to weigh in and even some of the strongest supporters have chosen not to participate in the end, but when you read these comments from those that did submit thoughts, you will see a common thread throughout.

serial

Kristopher Zgorski:

I was predisposed to enjoy “Serial.” I grew up in the area in which Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee’s story unfolds. I have been in that Best Buy parking lot on many occasions. My high school was in a bitter rivalry with Woodlawn High (albeit, many, many years earlier than the timeframe of this crime). I also happen to love true crime tales – in a myriad of different formats. And lastly, journalistically speaking, I found the path that Sarah Koenig taking to be a fascinating one.

“Serial” plays out like the best of crime fiction – plot twists, new evidence, possible corruption, etc. – but we must never lose sight of the fact that this is real life for those involved. While there is much to be captivated by within the podcast, there is also the uneasy feeling that this tragedy is now becoming entertainment consumed by the masses. I do still believe that Sarah Koenig’s intentions were pure and that there is value is watching how an investigation of this sort can take unexpected turns, but I also know that the ultimate outcome is likely to be less realized than what shows like CSI, Criminal Minds and Cold Case Files have led the public to believe.

Alex Segura:

“Serial” resonates like the best TV or fiction coming out lately by telling a long-form story that parcels out bits and pieces of a compelling mystery. I find the journey that Sarah Koenig is taking us on to be the most interesting part – I don’t really think we’ll reach a magic moment of clarity at the end, so I worry about the fans that seem to think this is where it’s headed. And while I love the show and I do think the format is new in terms of radio, I’d like to echo something author Megan Abbott noted not long ago on “The Takeaway” – that fans of true crime and similar narratives have been experiencing stories like this for some time. That said, I love the show – I listen to it first thing every Thursday and I find the execution and structure fascinating. I was hooked from the first episode and I worry about a time when there isn’t a new installment waiting on my iPhone.

Alison Gaylin:

I’ve been listening to “Serial,” and specifics aside, it’s really exciting to see so many people riveted to a crime story, week after week. The podcast format is the perfect way to unfold such a complicated, twisty tale.

Cymantha “Cy” Governs:

I began listening to “Serial” as an avid “This American Life” fan. I’ve loved TAL and Sarah Koenig for years, so the prospect of a deeper plunge into the kind of storytelling TAL does was exciting. I was nearly instantly hooked. Partially because, well, weren’t we all? Partially because I’m very familiar with that area of Baltimore–my husband and his family are from there and it’s, coincidentally, the first place I lived when I first moved here 16 years ago.

Listening to episode 9, one of my greatest concerns crystallized: It is easy to get so caught up in the storytelling that you forget that this is reality. That Hae Min Lee’s family is still in too much pain to even talk to Koenig (not to mention Hae’s mother’s quote from the sentencing, about mourning a child). Are they somewhere wondering if the justice system failed them and if their daughter’s murderer has enjoyed 15 years of undeserved freedom? That the Syed family must be hoping this process will lead to the overturn of Adnan’s conviction (I mean, in the moments where I believe Adnan is innocent, I want that and I don’t even know him!) That even public opinion’s favorite suspect Jay must be getting negative fallout from this. Now, if this process comes to a tidy, satisfying conclusion, I think the audience will forgive this. But, as Koenig discussed in NYT Magazine, the ending may not be “tidy” or “satisfying.” I worry about that for a lot more than those connected to this case. I worry about it for Koenig herself and for TAL.

My thoughts in more recent episodes have ceased to be about the case and more about this process. When you go down a rabbit hole, when do you reach the end? Will she know it? If we know it before Koenig does, regardless of the impact on Adnan’s sentence, I think it’s a death sentence for “Serial.”

David Magayna:

“This American Life’s Serial” podcast of the case of Adnan Syed in the murder of Hae Min Lee is a fascinating post-mortem of a criminal case. Sarah Koenig is the wonderful narrator of a complex case built on circumstantial evidence and explored through personal interviews, witness statements, and trial transcripts that kept this listener enthralled. Well worth the time.

Libby Fischer Hellman:

First, the superficial: I love the radio/podcast format. I can listen in my car, while I’m doing errands, cooking, or cleaning.

More substantively: While the podcasts are true crime, they tell an excellent story. And “story” is what most of us are drawn to. At least I am.

We are introduced to the “characters” (Adnan, Jay, Hae, and the others) up front, but we come to know them more fully as the story unfolds. We discover they are not cardboard stereotypes, because we are privy to their conversations, behavior, and, in some cases, even their motives. Such robust character development in a true crime story is unusual. Which makes it difficult to pass judgment.

We’re also a part of the narrator’s interior monologue, again, unusual in a true crime story. Sarah is an amateur sleuth, trying to solve a fifteen year old murder. As the audience, we follow along with her as she finds clues and pieces out the truth. From time to time Sarah doesn’t know what to think, and as each piece of the puzzle is revealed, we waver along with her. Is Adnan guilty? Did Jay do it? Was there a third person?  As a writer, I know that the basis of suspense is to ask questions that are unanswered for as long as possible. Sarah does that often, and it makes for great suspense.

Finally, I love the source material. Taped interviews both before and after the trial, the pre-trial and trial transcripts, and conversations with third-party experts lend credibility to the “plot.” A private detective, a former Homicide officer, and others help frame what’s important for us, so we can match wits with Sarah and come to our own conclusions.

So, for me, the characters, the suspense, and the third-party credibility are the earmarks of a great story, whether true or fictionalized, and I can’t wait for “Serial’s” “denoument.”

Wendy Tyson:

While I am enthralled by “Serial,” I must admit that my feelings are mixed. The podcasts are intensely engrossing and, unlike so many true crime television shows, are focused on the minutiae of the case, often examining seemingly small aspects in painstaking (but riveting) detail. The result is both humanizing and frightening. “Serial” plays out like a thriller–with all its attendant suspenseful twists. But in crime novels, justice prevails.  We the readers can walk away assured that the victim was vindicated and the right person got his or her comeuppance. Not so with “Serial.” For me, “Serial” is a reminder of just how fragile our investigative process can be (no matter how dogged all parties are in seeking the truth). And while “Serial” spins a mesmerizing story, at its core are real people for whom the events portrayed have had grave consequences.

From the Booking Desk:

While this is certainly not all the opinions on “Serial” and even these opinions may change over the course of the series, it is interesting to see some common threads through all of our comments.  I will leave it to readers of this blog to take from these recurring thoughts what they will.  Since “Serial” has been green-lit for a second season, this podcast is not going anywhere. All we can do is monitor how the rest of season one develops and see where the creators take us for season two.