Unwell, a Midwestern Gothic Mystery

I’ve listened to many an audio drama and this one stands out and on its own two feet. This is very different from other shows I’ve listened to… and that’s a good thing. It’s developing a genre and format all on its own. It took me awhile to really get into the characters, but once your “in,” these characters captivate you with their backstory and character development. Well worth the listen.

Am I listening to something different than all these 5 star reviewers? Cuz what I am listening to makes no sense, has characters who I have no clue why they’re there, is filled with a lot of unnecessary dialogue, and has the worst sound design I have heard in a podcast (I have given up trying to figure what some of those sounds are supposed to be). Episode 2 of season 1 and I am outta here.

This pod sucked me in and wouldn’t let go. The story was thrilling and complex, dealing with relationships, families, loss, parenting, aging, anxiety, memory, history, science, and so much more. A thousand stars to the writers. The actors were incredible — in particular I hope to hear Clarissa Cherie Rios and Michael Turrentine in many more productions — though they were all so talented! The sound design/production was first rate and totally engrossing. The editing was spot on. The music was integral to the story and beautiful. This was just…fantastic. Huge kudos to every single cast and crew.

Beautifully written and intelligently paced, this well-acted show deserves all of the accolades it has received (and which pointed me to it in the first place). It doesn’t fall victim to the “must explain mystery one before presenting mystery two to keep momentum going” trope. It paces out both mysteries and revelations in a way that we, as the audience, suspend disbelief and keep faith along with the characters themselves, as they do the same. As they say to themselves, “well, I guess we believe in _____ now,” it’s easy for us to say we kind of do, too. It’s brilliant. And once season five hits - that’s where the perfection of the show really sets in. We come to realize that, all along, there’s been a plan. All along, there’s been a focused resolution to the characters and their journeys, and each one of them is given the honor of a beautiful and poignant period at the end of their five-season-long sentence. It’s really lovely. I encourage you to listen to the entire show - all five seasons. The characters, their relationships, and their growth as people are as engaging as the “WTH is happening in this town” mystery that underlies the show. It’s really a wonderful ride. Best podcast I’ve listened to in years.