Friday, December 7, 2018

Dirty John: From Podcast to TV

Any podcast listeners out there? If so, Dirty John is one you just have to check out. It's perfect for those who listen regularly and it's a good starting point for those who have never listened before. It's a true crime story that pulls you in, with unbelievable details. You can't stop listening because you can't believe what is happening. You wonder why a mother of three, married 4 times falls for a man within months of meeting him. She supports him, buys a house for him, and very quickly marries him. I say it's suspicious from the start. If reading those details doesn't peak your interest, maybe you need to see it. Bravo is now airing Dirty John as a limited series starring Connie Britton, from Friday Night Lights and Nashville.

I have only watched on episode. So this blog isn't about telling you how good the television show is. I was wondering if Bravo could pull it off. I was worried it would feel more like a Lifetime movie. Well the Lifetime feeling is there, but it is supported by more accomplished actors and that might make the difference. It remains to be seen. I enjoyed episode one and will be going back for more. 

The actual true crime began in 2014. That's when Deborah Newell went online to find love. She said she wanted someone to share her success with. That's where she found John. Deborah's story starts off pretty normal. Many people are making profiles on dating websites. It's when her daughters start to question their mom's new companion that things get interesting. Deborah basically ignores their concerns. The girls tell her there is something about John that they don't like. They insist he is not who he says he is. Deborah doesn't want anything taking away her happiness. She thinks everything is perfect.

Of course the truth finds a way of coming out, and eventually things don't add up for Deborah. Unfortunately the truth puts her in serious danger.  This man she thought was perfect, is anything but. He is violent, controlling, conniving and very persuasive. Trying to get away from a man like this could cost Deborah her life. Those around her saw it from the start but Deborah was in denial. Her willingness to believe anything for love, is what will connect views to Deborah's story. Many people can relate to being blinded by love. In this case, Deborah's desperate need for love and happiness lead her down a trail of tragedy. 

There is a disclaimer that the program is based on real people but some things have been changed. This is always in the case when real life stories are put on television. I am hoping the producers and writers stick close to the podcast. What Deborah Newell went through is interesting in itself, it doesn't need to be dramatized for a greater affect. When it's all said and done on Bravo and you think you need more Dirty John, turn to the podcast to satisfy your curiosity. 

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