Loud Murmurs

In this episode, our hosts Izzy, Diaodiao and Ina, joined by our guest Alex Lawyer, dive into HBO’s new limited series, “Mare of Easttown.” We dissect character arcs and plot points to dig deeper into the real story: the story of a blue-collar mostly-white community that’s plagued by the opioid crisis.  What we discussed2:27 First impressions, potential spoiler warning 05:30 What makes this show a good thriller? Entertaining plot points, can spur in-depth discussions around social issues, and framing the thriller within familial and community relationships8:57 The show is actually a career-oriented show that focuses on Mare, her role as detective and the glue that brings the town together14:09 The deeper social issue: how the opioid crisis impacted Easttown15:43 Society’s reaction/policies to the opioid crisis, progressing from “war on drugs” to seeing it as a public health issue 22:25 “Hillbilly Elegy”, “Tight Rope”, and social darwinism27:58 Opioid crisis in China 32:54 There’s no real “big bad” in this sho