Ep 56. Something Wicked

Something Wicked is the 56th episode in season 26 of the popular investigative TV show Dateline. This episode follows the story of a seemingly perfect couple, David and Diana Lovejoy, who both had impressive careers and a thriving business together. However, everything takes an unexpected turn when Diana files for divorce and accuses her husband of domestic violence.

As the tension between the couple grows, David begins to make menacing threats against his estranged wife. This then turns into a life-threatening situation when Diana and her friend, Greg Mulvihill, meet up with David in a quiet canyon in California. On this fateful night, David allegedly ambushes the two with a shotgun, leaving Greg injured and Diana dead.

What unfolds in Something Wicked is the gripping tale of how the police department and legal system sought to bring David Lovejoy to justice for the murder of his wife. Unlike other Dateline episodes that might feature a single detective working tirelessly on a case, this episode offers a deep dive into the collective work of lawyers, forensic scientists, and investigators who banded together to make a strong case against the accused.

Viewers follow the critical steps taken by investigators to suss out how the murder happened and get a better idea of David's motive. In a case this complex, there were several assumptions investigators had to make, and many pieces of evidence that they had to piece together. Not only did the investigators need to answer the question of how David committed the crime and why, but they also had to work with the evidence available to ensure they got the right man.

Something Wicked is a particularly interesting episode of Dateline due to the way it showcases the justice system's inner workings. The audience sees the detectives poring over crime scene photos and discussing theories while attorneys strategize on how to secure a conviction.

Furthermore, the episode world-builds by introducing several fascinating supporting characters, such as Greg Mulvihill, the man who was gravely injured in the attack. Greg's testimony was crucial in securing David's conviction, and his determination to make sure his side of the story was heard adds an important human element to the story.

The episode also puts a spotlight on the human emotions at play in cases like this. The Lovejoy's case shows the emotional and psychological turmoil that drives people to commit heinous crimes. David Lovejoy's feelings of betrayal and anger towards his wife are shown to drive his obsession and eventual manifestation of that obsession in violence.

The episode closes with the eventual outcome of the case. Viewers get a sense of the complete legal process from the investigation and trial all the way up until the court's verdict. Through the efforts of investigators, lawyers, and forensic experts, justice was ultimately served for Diana Lovejoy.

Something Wicked is an excellent exemplar of what Dateline does best - rich storytelling with vast amounts of detail, digging into the intricacies of a case to create a well-rounded narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. In an era where true-crime shows have become ubiquitous, Dateline stands tall with its tried-and-true format of deep investigations and often-surprising twists. This episode stands out in particular for the way it unpacks the American legal system at work to resolve serious convictions. Those who are fascinated by law and order will find Something Wicked especially edifying, and those who enjoy a good whodunit will be gripped by its storytelling.