What’s up, everybody? Reader here.
When I’m not watching fun stuff, like “Schitt’s Creek,” I often, for some reason, find watching stuff that trends toward the darker side.
Not gonna lie… one of my favourite shows growing up was “Unsolved Mysteries,” and I still watch reruns to this day on YouTube and Tubi!
When it returned on Netflix a few years ago, I was a happy true-crime camper!
But it’s not just that. I enjoy horror movies in which the villains – the evildoers – have become pop culture icons, like Leatherface, Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and my personal fave, Freddy Krueger.
I also dig classic crime movies like “GoodFellas,” TV shows like “CSI – Crime Scene Investigation,” and crime documentaries on everything from 20th century mobsters and the Japanese mafia, better known as the Yakuza, to serial killer documentaries, to war films and programs, on all sides of the conflicts.
Sometimes, I wonder if there’s something wrong with me, but then I realize there are millions of people who are into the same thing!
And that’s not to mention the proliferation of true-crime podcasts that are out there, though I don’t find myself getting into those as much, but I digress.
What draws so many of us to the dark side, when it comes to TV and movies?
When it comes to the fictional stuff, I think there’s a certain charm in the unknown, a thrill in exploring the complexities of flawed characters, and a comfort in knowing that it’s all safely wrapped up in a story. These darker narratives offer a unique kind of escape, letting us dive into worlds where the stakes are high and the lines between good and evil blur. From suspenseful plot twists to the raw, unfiltered authenticity of anti-heroes, there’s just something irresistibly magnetic about them.
I love CSI, because it’s like solving puzzles that are neatly wrapped up in a 45-50 minute episode.
In the majority of crime movies, the crooks tend to get what’s coming to them in the end, and we wind up satisfied.
But that doesn’t explain the draw when it comes to the real-world, truly awful stuff.
Why are we so fascinated by true crime documentaries?
From unraveling real-life mysteries to diving deep into the minds of criminals, there’s an undeniable allure to these gripping tales. True crime offers a glimpse into the darker sides of humanity, sparking our curiosity and challenging our sense of justice. It’s the mix of suspense, intrigue, and the raw reality that keeps us coming back for more. There’s something thrilling about piecing together clues and uncovering the truth, all while knowing these stories are based on actual events.
True crime documentaries also provide an opportunity to reflect on societal issues, human behavior, and the justice system. They engage us in a way that’s both enlightening and chilling, making them the perfect blend of education and entertainment.
I think that’s what it is to me. I find it interesting to see what it is that creates these monsters, and leads to these horrible events. Are evildoers born that way, with something deep in their minds that make them what they are? Or are they a product of their environments, and created by outside factors?
In the case of wartime horrors, how do those responsible get away with it? What factors led to these unspeakable tragedies? What can be done to ensure they never happen again?
How does something like the mafia begin? How does organized crime grow and spread, worming its way into so many different parts of daily life?
Perhaps to be positive and provide more light to the world, we feel it’s necessary to understand the darkness.
It kind of reminds me of the old Beatles vs. Stones debate.
People used to say that the Beatles want to hold your hand, while the Stones want to burn your town.
The Beatles wrote “All You Need is Love,” while the Stones gave the world “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Gimme Shelter.”
In fact, in a 2011 interview with GQ Magazine, Stones icon Keith Richards once said “I work the seamier side of life,” and when told it’s been good to him, he smiled and replied “There’s a lot of seam.”
Ultimately, I think it’s pretty harmless to have an interest in the crime stuff. As long as no one puts what they learn to practice… Then, for the love of all things holy, step away from the TV!
In the meantime, I think I’m going to lighten the mood, and kick back with something fun, like some of my favourite episodes of “The Simpsons!”
