If I Should Die is a true crime television series that premiered on Investigation Discovery in 2020. The series explores the most complex and mysterious homicide cases through the lens of the victim's final moments. Each episode of the show features a different case and follows the investigation process to uncover the truth about what led to the victim's untimely death.
The series' title, If I Should Die, is a reference to the fact that the victims in each case did not know that they were going to die. It highlights the idea that life can be taken away in a split second, and it does not matter who you are, where you come from, or what you do for a living.
The series' narration is predominantly delivered by actress and writer Lorraine Bracco, who skillfully guides the audience through the details of each case. The series relies heavily on interviews with law enforcement officers, witnesses, family members, friends, and experts, as well as footage from police investigations, news reports, and reenactments.
The show's format is chronological, beginning with the victim's background and leading up to their final moments. The descriptions of the victim's lives and personalities serve to emphasize the tragedy of their deaths. If the victim's life was filled with challenges and struggles, the viewer can't help but feel a sense of injustice at their untimely death. However, if the victim had a relatively easy life, it can be difficult to understand why someone would take their life away.
The experts in the show provide compelling insights into the psychology of the murderers. The perpetrators in each case share a variety of motivations for their crimes, such as financial gain, jealousy, or revenge. The series explores the factors that led to the murderers' decision to commit such heinous acts and what clues were available to law enforcement in order to solve the case.
Each episode typically ends with a resolution of the case to some extent, albeit not always complete. The show leaves some questions unanswered and some aspects of the investigation unresolved, which adds to the mystery and intrigue of the series.
One of the key themes explored in the show is the concept of time. In many of the cases, time played a crucial role in determining whether the victim lived or died. For example, if a victim had been home ten minutes earlier, they might still be alive today. In some cases, time also played a significant role in the investigation process, as investigators struggled to piece together clues and alibis through the passing of time.
If I Should Die is a show that is not afraid to delve into the darker side of human nature. Its exploration of the motivations behind killing can be unsettling, but it is also a reminder of the need to be aware of the potential for violence that exists in our society. The show's intention is not to sensationalize crime but to shed light on the complexities of human behavior and promote awareness of the ways in which we can all be vigilant against these types of crimes.
In conclusion, If I Should Die is a gripping true crime series that explores the intricacies of homicide investigations and sheds a light on the humanity of the victims and the perpetrators. The show is well-written, expertly narrated, and features excellent interviews with experts, family members, and law enforcement officials. While it can be a difficult show to watch at times due to its emotion-heavy subject matter, it is ultimately a reminder of the importance of justice and the need to pay attention to the world around us.
If I Should Die is a series that ran for 5 seasons (7 episodes) between April 2, 2020 and on Investigation Discovery
