884: The Idiot

The podcast explores a true crime story within M. Gessen's family, focusing on her cousin Allen, who was convicted of hiring someone to murder his ex-wife, Priscilla. Gessen recounts Allen's initial kidnapping of his son, O, from Russia, and the subsequent legal battles. The narrative highlights Priscilla's ordeal, including facing obstacles in Russia and Zimbabwe while trying to regain custody of her children. Key moments include excerpts from undercover recordings of Allen arranging the murder-for-hire plot, and Gessen's struggle to reconcile her personal connection to Allen with the gravity of his actions. The podcast further investigates the complexities of family loyalty, betrayal, and the search for truth.