Episode 349: Wake Up Dead Man (2025)

·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

How does a corrupt priest in 'Wake Up Dead Man' mirror the tactics of modern fascist leaders?

The episode begins with hosts Lauren Humphries Brooks and Karen Peterson discussing the difficult year of 2025, comparing it to 2020 and noting a lack of hope. They mention local political wins and protests as points of light. The conversation shifts to the recent death of Rob Reiner, with plans to cover his films in future episodes. The main focus is a spoiler-filled review of 'Wake Up Dead Man,' the 2025 Knives Out sequel directed by Rian Johnson. The hosts praise Daniel Craig's return as Benoit Blanc and the film's standalone nature. They analyze the plot involving the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a corrupt priest in upstate New York, and the investigation assisted by Father Judd Duplency, played by Josh O'Connor. Themes explored include religion, faith versus skepticism, and parallels between Wicks's rhetoric and real-world fascism. The hosts discuss supporting characters like Cy Draven, a failed politician, and Vera, played by Kerry Washington, highlighting themes of exploitation and rebellion. Cinematic techniques, such as the use of light and shadow in church scenes, are noted. The mystery's solution involving Martha Delacroix and Dr. Nat is unpacked, with attention to clues and rewatch value. The episode ends with recommendations to watch the film, hopes for future sequels, and announcements about upcoming content and patron thanks.

As heard by us

A church murder mystery turns into a funny, politically charged study of fanaticism and borrowed rebellion.

Citizen Dame frames Wake Up Dead Man as a church-set murder mystery with a clear political edge. An impossible killing opens into questions of fanaticism, hypocrisy, and the way power can dress itself up as rebellion.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a church-set impossible-crime mystery where a Star Wars joke opens into a debate about how villains cast themselves as rebels.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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