Fourteen Seasons of Taking Risks

by The Cowl Editor on October 10, 2019


Arts & Entertainment


It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Airs Another Season

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

More often than not, the productions that take risks are the ones that end up being the most successful. This is certainly the case with FXX’s series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which has recently debuted episodes in its 14th season. The show, known for its blatant critique of political correctness, has amassed a large fanbase since its first episode in 2005. 

Square It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Poster
PHOTO COURTESY OF IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA WIKI FANDOM

Fans and critics alike have proposed reasons as to why It’s Always Sunny has been able to remain running season after season. Even some of the most popular comedy series like Friends and The Office have not made it past 10 seasons. One of the most plausible theories for why It’s Always Sunny is still airing new episodes today is the familiarity of the cast. Support for this argument is led by the presence of Danny DeVito, who many individuals know from notoriety in other on-screen productions. Charlie Day has also become increasingly popular in recent years, specifically within the comedy genre. 

While the cast may bear some influence in keeping viewers interested, there are other significant factors in play, such as the risks the show takes. According to The Washington Post, “From the jump, the show was built around these narcissistic crew of sociopaths—calling them friends doesn’t feel right, since friends generally don’t try to constantly con one another—and it’s never really lightened its tone.” Unsurprisingly, this is not how the plot of most shows usually operates, so it exposes the audience to something different. 

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has never shied away from covering controversial issues. In fact, the creators tend to time their episodes, aligning the focal points and central themes with relevant economic, political, and social issues. In doing so, this inevitably paves the way for groups and individuals to take offense to the show’s content. 

Accordingly, the viewers of It’s Always Sunny tend to lean on the affluent side, reports The Federalist. Writer Emily Jashinsky states that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is “certainly protected by the clear-cut depravity of its universe, and by its fans in media, who learned to love it long before the new rules went into effect.” This in no way excuses the creators of the show in the event that they may have produced offensive content. Rather, these demographics illustrate that older fans may be more used to this type of unrestricted discourse. 

It is understandable that wealthy individuals are not the only people who watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and, although the lack of political correctness has caused some dissent and turned people off to the show, series are usually not able to escape unscathed as this show has. Looking at the bigger picture, It’s Always Sunny has been able to get away with a lot, but it should not be forgotten that the show aims to have a comedic effect, not to offend people. 

Hopping on the ’80s-Themed Bandwagon

by The Cowl Editor on October 3, 2019


Arts & Entertainment


American Horror Story: 1984

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

Although the original cast of American Horror Story is largely absent, FX’s original series has returned once again for another season. The show has come a long way from its first season, subtitled Murder House. With a brand-new plot and never before seen characters, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s anthology series is now running its ninth season. For its new season, titled American Horror Story: 1984, the show jumps on the ’80s bandwagon of nostalgia.

The theme for this season and the fact that American Horror Story is in the midst of running its ninth installment has played a part in influencing the members of the current cast. In fact, the show has also already been renewed for a season 10. According to an article published in The Wrap, “Apart from a few familiar faces like Emma Roberts, Cody Fern, Leslie Grossman, and Billie Lourd, the stars of American Horror Story: 1984 are mostly newcomers to the FX anthology series. And noticeably absent from the announced cast for season nine are several staples of the franchise, including Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters.” 

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOODY DISGUSTING ON TWITTER

This past summer, Netflix released its much anticipated third season of Stranger Things. Filled with references to the time period, audiences of varying ages were exposed to ‘80s trends from product placements, to music, to fashion. Furthermore, the tropes of the 1980s have become somewhat of their own genre in entertainment. 

In addition to Stranger Things, shows like The Goldbergs and The Carrie Diaries, among many others, illustrate the acclaim for the trends of that decade within television. Accordingly, the retro vibe appeals to individuals who lived through the ‘80s as well as those who were not yet born. 

As for the American Horror Story franchise, the show has covered a wide array of time periods in its past seasons since the focus of the show changes with every installment. In its previous seasons, American Horror Story has integrated characters from decades that range from the 1930s to the 1960s. Furthermore, the show has also focused on the present-day. Last season, Murphy even decided to do a crossover with the plot and characters of previous seasons. 

“This well-stocked arsenal of archetypal characters should give Murphy plenty of opportunities to play with genre conventions… 1984’s debut feels like a turning point,” says Laura Bradley of Vanity Fair. As with any decade, so much historical significance can be included in just a few hour-long episodes. 

It is evident from the first few episodes of the new season of American Horror Story that 1984 is expanding upon the slasher theme that is characteristic of many movies of the 1980s. With the setting of the show concentrated at a summer camp with a tragic backstory, there are many different angles that the creators could end up taking in order to attract the show’s audience. 

 

A Little Late With Lilly Singh

by The Cowl Editor on September 26, 2019


Arts & Entertainment


From YouTube to Late Night TV

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

The last time a woman hosted a late night show on network television was in 2000. Late night television is changing with the recent debut of A Little Late with Lilly Singh scheduled to premiere on Sept. 16. It has sparked a discussion of female and minority representation in this arena. Taking Carson Daly’s slot, Singh will now be in the spotlight more than ever. However, she faces competition from the likes of Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers.

A Little Late With Lilly Singh
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

NBC, the network that airs A Little Late with Lilly Singh, asserts that “the multi-faceted star’s debut in the late-night landscape is especially noteworthy as she’s a Canadian woman of Indian descent, combining a fresh take on the day’s events, pop culture, diversity, and life.” Singh has always been transparent about her background and proudly embraces it. Her parents moved from India to Ontario, Canada, where she grew up. She then relocated to Los Angeles several years ago to further her career. 

Singh is best known for her successful YouTube channel, IISuperwomanII, where she publishes comedic videos, often posing as characters including fictional representations of her mother and father, and videos where she reflects on her personal life. Although she has amassed significant praise and success, the transition from vlogging her daily life to the more traditional nature associated with hosting a late-night television show poses some difficulties. 

Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair writes, “The linear ratings for the premiere episode were on par with the end of Carson Daly’s show, which is good enough news, while a Wednesday night prime time special meant to boost the show’s profile did not seem to get much traction. But those numbers aren’t exactly what NBC will use to determine whether A Little Late is a success.” The first week of the show featured celebrities such as Mindy Kaling, Keenan Thompson, and Chelsea Handler.

In fact, Singh’s YouTube background may pose positive influence down the line. As fans who grew up watching her videos are growing older, they may turn to A Little Late in order to gain further insight from her. Nonetheless, this younger group must decide whether they want to turn back towards the traditional television structure in an era of YouTube and streaming popularity.

Furthermore, Singh’s purpose in creating new content has never been limited to comedy. Rather, she has been a proponent of diversity and inclusivity throughout her career, and this will certainly transfer over into A Little Late. Additionally, she has openly discussed sensitive topics such as mental illness, experiences of growing up, and sexuality. 

“I feel lucky to be in this position. I’m a minority in many, many ways, and I want to make sure that anyone, no matter where they are in the world, can relate and feel represented,” Singh told Marie Claire in a recent interview. The main takeaway from Singh’s debut of A Little Late is that the landscape of entertainment is changing constantly, paving the way for different opinions and personalities. 

Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer

by The Cowl Editor on September 19, 2019


Music


Bands Announce Joint World Tour

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIVENATION

For anyone nostalgic for the 2000’s alternative-punk sound, three popular bands have recently announced a joint tour, which will commence next summer. Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer, have decided to team up to put on a show for fans. Decades ago, rock bands often toured together in the same way, which seems to have inspired these three groups to revive the concept. The Interrupters will open the stage at each location of the tour, which the groups have named “HELLA MEGA TOUR.” 

The trio of bands is unexpected yet not unfounded. According to  Billboard “These three band leaders and their groups have a combined seven No. 1s on the Billboard 200 and 15 No. 1s on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart…Yet instead of staying in their comfort zones, they’re eager to create a live experience that’s as legendary as anything else they have done.” According to the released tour schedule, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer will reach fans on a global scale. The tour is set to begin in Paris, France in June 2020 and continue throughout Europe before heading to the United States the following month.  

In honor of the tour announcement, the bands have each released a new song, hinting at what is to come. Album releases are sometimes tricky for groups with such successful history because there is always an urge to do something different and better. For example, Weezer took on this challenge in the past by creating an album entirely of cover songs, fueling excitement from fans of ‘80s and ‘90s music. Green Day, on the other hand, has been riding under the radar recently.The record that they plan to release is significantly shorter than past projects. 

Andy Greene of Rolling Stone says, “Green Day and Weezer both broke through to mainstream success in 1994 thanks to multiplatinum albums that spawned a series of goofy videos that went into heavy rotation on MTV. Their paths have diverged over the years, but they remain two of the most popular acts from that generation still on the road.” Likewise, Fall Out Boy came to the stage a bit later and younger alternative music fans are generally familiar with their music. The slight generation gap among the groups may attract a wider group of people to the tour. 

With the rise of streaming services and the easy accessibility to music today, it is expected that listeners may not want to spend money to see artists live. However, big music festivals like Boston Calling and Governors Ball still attract fans each year. This is because concerts with multiple artists provide fans with the ability to listen to their favorite artists live in one space, adding value to the experience.  

Ultimately, the success that each of the bands has had in their respective careers is impressive. The announcement of the tour, coupled with the fact that these artists are still releasing new music that fans want to listen to, proves this type of music’s relevance in today’s industry. 

 

Altruistic Art: WaterFire Continues Legacy of Charity

by The Cowl Editor on September 12, 2019


Variety


Plans to Celebrate National Recovery Month

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

WaterFire is a recurring event that attracts crowds from across the Providence College community and the city of Providence each and every year. The lightings begin in late spring and run well into the fall season. Taking place in the Downtown area along the Providence River, WaterFire offers its visitors a picturesque view of the city. 

There are a surplus of reasons that WaterFire has been able to attract so many individuals over the years. Firstly, WaterFire is typically looked at as a social event from the eyes of its participants. Lightings are admission-free and open to the public. However, it is evident that a significant degree of thought and preparation is put into each lighting. Additionally, WaterFire also connects with local businesses around the state to support its events. 

Moreover, those who have attended the showings in recent years are a testament to the revitalization of Providence as a whole. This is because WaterFire allows visitors to see the artistic landscape that pervades the city. In addition to the natural views of the water, lightings are often accompanied by music and other types of performance art. 

WaterFire is a nonprofit organization “whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement, and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.” As a result, the organization relies heavily upon unpaid volunteers to fuel its events. Additionally, visitors from outside of the area flock to WaterFire each year to experience it first-hand.

To take it one step further, WaterFire is conducting an Arts and Health Series. A component of this program will be attributed to the celebration of National Recovery Month, which focuses on substance abuse treatment and other mental health services. This year, the organization has partnered with another local nonprofit, Rally 4 Recovery RI. The organization plans to present audiences with a variety of entertainment, such as film productions, throughout the month of September. 

Although this is not the first year in which the two organizations have decided to work together, the co-sponsorship is a fitting way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month. According to an article written by WaterFire employee, Tim Blankenship, Rally 4 Recovery RI concludes these events by honoring those who have been impacted by drug and alcohol addiction. Culminating with rallies throughout several cities in Rhode Island, and one in Providence on Sept. 14, WaterFire will hold a lighting in support of this cause. The organization seeks to assist and promote awareness for those that are struggling as well as individuals in recovery. 

The WaterFire website states, “The power of WaterFire Providence to attract millions of visitors is eloquent testimony to the importance of public art and its capacity to restore our urban and social landscape.” Just as with WaterFire Providence, Rally 4 Recovery RI is a nonprofit that contributes positively to the community of Providence and beyond. Many can attest to the fact that WaterFire provides functional entertainment for its participants but ultimately serves much larger purposes. 

The Death of Cable Television: A ‘Stream’ of Competition

by The Cowl Editor on August 29, 2019


Arts & Entertainment


by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

Disney +, Apple TV +, Netflix streaming services
GRAPHIC BY PATRICK FULLER ’21 / THE COWL

As consumers continue to shift from traditional cable television to streaming services, many companies are now jumping on the bandwagon. These services have become a more popular option in recent years due to the instant gratification of having multiple seasons of shows available coupled with the elimination of commercials. For streaming services like Netflix, however, much of the company’s content is at risk of being removed from the platform with the rise of new companies releasing their own versions. 

Earlier in the summer, for example, it was announced that two popular television series—The Office and Friends—would be removed from Netflix in the foreseeable future. News of these looming cancellations spread through social media channels rather quickly, as both series are among Netflix’s most popular shows. 

There are a variety of companies that have announced new streaming services in the coming months. Business Insider states, “Apple is betting big on original content for its upcoming streaming platform, Apple TV Plus.” Apple has also released information on one of the leading series to be featured on Apple TV Plus. The Morning Show boasts several big names including Steve Carell, Jennifer Aniston, and Reese Witherspoon. 

One of the most anticipated players in this arena thus far has been Disney, which not only holds the rights to its original movies, but also retains ownership of other franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. At the moment, Apple’s lineup of original content is microscopic in comparison to what Disney+ is offering potential subscribers. Among the list is Hilary Duff reprising her role as Lizzie McGuire in an effort to fuel the nostalgia of those who watched the original show. 

Another important aspect of this competition is the price that companies are intending to charge for subscriptions to their respective streaming platforms. Disney recently announced it will offer a bundle which includes its own service, ESPN+, and an advertisement-supported version of Hulu for cheaper than what Netflix is currently charging. Apple Plus is also projected to debut below the 14 dollars that Netflix subscribers pay. 

The competition for streaming entertainment is growing quickly, which encourages services to produce more original content. The Wall Street Journal commented, “With its lack of sticky unrelated offerings, Netflix will be under constant pressure to roll out eye-catching new content. It will also be under pressure to cut deals with rivals allowing its content to be bundled with theirs.”

At the same time, though, this pressure disrupts the model that has worked so well for Netflix and many others up until now. Subscribers utilize the service in order to view a wide range of series, movies, and documentaries, some of which may not be originals. The threat of competition from company-specific streaming poses the potential issue of having to purchase multiple subscriptions in order to view different entertainment programs. Ultimately, this trend is showing that streaming services are continuing to grow in popularity and the mainstream ways in which individuals view entertainment programs now could very well change. 

Social Cues: Cage the Elephant Release Dark New Album

by The Cowl Editor on May 2, 2019


Music


Shultz and Company Discuss Divorce, Loss on New Record

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

Cage the Elephant, most commonly recognized for their 2009 hit, “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” is one of the most prolific, household names in rock music today. Two years after winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album, the band released its highly anticipated fifth studio album on April 19, entitled Social Cues. Its debut comes in a timely fashion, as the band prepares for a headlining tour with Beck, who is also featured in one of the new songs. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAGE THE ELEPHANT ON SPOTIFY

Cage the Elephant is no stranger in the industry. Considering the band’s status in the indie-alternative sphere today, the expectations of anything that the group puts out are exponentially high. It is evident that the band has evolved over time as many bands do, but they have done so in such a way that still enables them to stand out. Social Cues takes on a very personal tone, with several pieces highlighting some of the deepest struggles plaguing lead vocalist, Matt Shultz. The record touches upon divorce, loss, and fame, among other themes. The opening track, “Broken Boy,” sets this tone and alludes to what is to come. 

Shultz’s divorce has been at the forefront of the discussion on Social Cues and Cage deliberately exposes this in “Ready to Let Go.” It was released as a single prior to the album’s full debut and skyrocketed to the top of the alternative charts for weeks. Shultz said in an interview with Billboard, “I’ve been asked quite often if it’s a dark song, or was it a hard song to write, or was the record hard to write. I actually see a deep brightness within it. There’s a saying, ‘bright sadness,’ and with hope or any kind of release there’s an undercurrent of grief, but that’s a part of joy.”

Ironically enough, the blatant juxtaposition between grief and joy is inherent in Social Cues. Holding steadfast to these intense topics, Cage also alludes to dealing with loss. Not only does this add to the personal nature of the record’s lyrics, but it also reveals the universality behind this message, whereby one can experience loss in a literal sense, as well as through the end of a relationship. 

In addition to dealing with the complexities of a divorce, Shultz and his brother, Brad, who is also a member of Cage, have lost several family members and friends. This too is reflected in Social Cues. This concept extends further, even going so far as to relay the brothers’ motivations behind choosing to name the record Social Cues. Ari Shapiro of NPR says, “The message of this new music, the brothers say, is to reject feeling guilty about grief or obsessing over social cues.” 

Cage the Elephant certainly takes risks on Social Cues, but at their core, the band has stayed true to what they want to present to their audience, making music that is personal and indicative of the members’ real experiences. 

No Longer Dumb and Broke: Khalid Returns With Free Spirit

by The Cowl Editor on April 11, 2019


Music


by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

Newcomer R&B singer and El Paso native, Khalid, released his sophomore album, Free Spirit on April 5. The 21-year-old singer gained immense popularity through songs like “Young Dumb and Broke” and “Location,” attracting a wide array of fans who appealed to his versatile sound. Additionally, Khalid has been featured on tracks by many artists from across a number of genres, such as Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish. 

Khalid released an EP, Suncity, late last year, but Free Spirit is his first full-length project since the debut of American Teen that put him on the map. On the new record, Khalid shifts away from many of the central themes that can be easily heard in his first project. However, the new releases still imply a certain degree of individuality that is characteristic to all of his music, since Khalid is no stranger to incorporating both personal and general societal issues in his songs. 

Free Spirit tackles themes ranging from the emotional aspects of love to commentary on self-development. “Self,” “Alive,” and “Heaven” are three songs that appear consecutively on the album, where Khalid delves into deeper, more personal topics. Another noteworthy track off of the new release includes a collaboration with John Mayer, “Outta My Head.” Considering both the length of the LP, which spans 17 songs, and Khalid’s long-running résumé of features with other artists, Free Spirit is largely absent of features, with the only other song being “Don’t Pretend” with Safe. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF @THEGREATKHALID ON TWITTER

When asked about how he has grown since his first album, Khalid said to Billboard, “I was so naive and young when I wrote American Teen. I thought I knew everything, but I knew nothing at all. I’m at the point of understanding that I still know nothing at all on Free Spirit. The music I’m writing right now is very self-reflective. I’m slowly but surely centering on myself and what I’m going through.”

In addition to the release of Free Spirit, Khalid is also releasing an accompanying film and has been selected to perform at colleges throughout the United States on top of going on tour globally. With this in mind, becoming a household name in pop and R&B so quickly and at such a young age certainly comes with a lot of contingencies. Khalid does not shy away from this, and directly comments upon it in the new album by highlighting some of the pitfalls that come a consequence of being in the spotlight. 

Craig Jenkins of Vulture says, “Khalid seems tired beyond his years but also exceptionally self-aware and determined to keep working and loving his way through his worst times. These qualities keep Free Spirit from caving to pessimism. The music is slick and summery in spite of its message.”

Khalid’s ability to be vocal about his music and lyrics ultimately demonstrates how he is continuing to grow and evolve with time, both in the sense of an artist and as an individual.

Hysterical Laughter: Veep Returns for Final Season

by The Cowl Editor on April 4, 2019


Film and Television


Political Comedy Show Stays Relevant Amidst Changing Times

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

There is no shortage of political television shows available today with series like House of Cards and Scandal. However, both shows have since run their courses, and HBO’s series, Veep, which aired the first episode of its final season on March 31 after a long hiatus, will soon be joining that list. Unlike its counterparts, Veep takes a comical, and even more often, satirical tone to the political atmosphere. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has starred on the show and received multiple awards for her performance since Veep premiered in 2012. Cast members include Tony Hale and Anna Chlumsky. In a fitting move to conclude the series, the farewell season will feature only seven episodes. 

One of the elements that makes a show like Veep relevant­—even eight years later—is the current polarized political climate. Avoiding party affiliation is appropriate for a comedy series and essentially avoids explicit bias on the part of the cast, rendering fans more likely to relate.  The episodes of the show have maintained a comical mood that just slightly extends beyond reality. This feature is more appealing to those who are not interested in the complexities of politics, even in the form of a television show. Perhaps this, too, is why the show has been allowed to run for so long. 

However, considering that the show has not aired for approximately two years now, viewers will have to see how, and if, the creators have adjusted the series to mirror changes in American politics. Caroline Framke of Variety is skeptical of the final season, asserting that “much of the novelty of Veep’s signature viciousness has worn off. It’s not necessarily the show’s fault that it now exists when the politics of cruelty rules the day, but it does, and the strain of trying to parody it shows. The series’ response to the hyperbolic times largely seems to be upping the ante of its own ferocity to match, but that can only sustain a scene for so long before it flatlines from exhaustion.” 

Regardless of what season seven will entail, Veep has come to a point of conclusion. Veep airs on HBO, Sundays at 10:30 p.m. 

HBO’s The Case Against Adnan Syed Captivates Viewers

by The Cowl Editor on March 21, 2019


Film and Television


How the Series Illustrates the Promise of True Crime

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 A&E Staff

PHOTO COURTESY OF HBO

True crime has recently become a popular form of entertainment, from movies and documentaries to podcasts. For example, Netflix’s Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes attracted significant attention upon its release, among others like it. As to be expected, public interest in these types of stories is not going away anytime soon. 

On March 15, HBO released the first part of a series entitled The Case Against Adnan Syed. Adnan Syed, who has been incarcerated since 2000 for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee, maintains his innocence and has filed multiple appeals. The story itself garnered national appeal in response to the podcast Serial. 

The four-part series analyzes the factors that contributed to Syed’s conviction while still insinuating the possibility that he did not commit the crime. According to HBO, The Case Against Adnan Syed relays “new discoveries as well as groundbreaking revelations that challenge the state’s case” and details “how the rush to justice and Syed’s conviction in 2000 raised more questions than answers…underscoring the instability of memory and conflicting eyewitnesses.”

The insurmountable interest in Syed’s case is in large part due to the popularity of Serial. The fact that Syed comes from a Muslim background also raises the issue of whether any individuals close to the case were biased. Those who maintain Syed’s innocence have insinuated that the prosecution could have tampered with evidence in an effort to expedite his conviction.

However, many individuals are continuing to tune in to this story, and many others like it, because of the small details that make these cases so captivating to learn about. Even almost 20 years later, new information and important facts are still being uncovered. This is unfortunately not unique to the tragic death of Hae Min Lee, one plausible explanation for why the true crime genre continues to grow in popularity. 

In fact, the Serial podcast has been downloaded more than 100 million times since its release in 2014. The New York Times says that Serial host Sarah Koenig “had offered no clear opinion on Syed’s guilt, but they had brought to light the potential holes in the prosecution’s case and intensified public pressure to re-examine it.” The open-ended nature of the case therefore allows for more depth, whether it be through the form of a podcast or a documentary. 

Although the name of the series indicates that Syed is largely featured, much of the first episode focuses on Lee. The episode includes statements from many of her friends and former classmates, as well as footage of her younger brother and parents. Although one of the critiques of the true crime genre is that utilizing this type of media as a form of entertainment takes away from the integrity of victims, this series does not succumb to this pitfall. 

The remaining episodes of the series will continue to explore hidden details regarding Lee’s case. Just as with Serial, it is unlikely that The Case Against Adnan Syed will uncover anything that definitely proves or disproves Syed’s innocence, but that element of uncertainty is exactly what attracts so many viewers to true crime.