Dateline NBC: Talking Dateline – "Take Two"
Episode Date: March 18, 2026
Hosts: Andrea Canning & Blaine Alexander
Episode Overview
This episode of "Talking Dateline" centers on Andrea Canning’s recent "Take Two" investigation, a true-crime Dateline installment revolving around a shocking murder-for-hire plot that never resulted in a death, but did involve two separate attempts by Ira Bernstein, a podiatrist, to have his wife, Susan Bernstein, killed. Featuring undercover stings, hidden cameras, and deeply troubling family dynamics, the case plays more like a suspense thriller than real life—with the added twist that both murder plots were foiled, thanks in large part to would-be "hitmen" who chose to alert authorities instead.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Case Summary and Unusual Features
(02:12–03:13)
- Core Story: Susan and Ira Bernstein’s troubled marriage led Ira—after starting an affair with the charismatic Kelly Vribalook—to plot Susan’s murder not once, but twice.
- First Plot: The conspirators approached Markenzi, who unexpectedly acted as a whistleblower by tipping off police and participating in the undercover operation that dismantled the plan.
- Second Plot: After Ira’s release from prison, he again conspired (this time with a landscaper) to have Susan killed, only to be foiled once more.
- Uniqueness: "Such a different type of Dateline episode because there is not actually a death...thanks to Markenzi the first time around." (Blaine Alexander, 03:25)
The Heroes: Markenzi and the Landscaper
(03:45–05:16, 21:58–22:36)
- Markenzi’s Motivation: Markenzi’s decisive actions and willingness to work undercover put his own safety at risk but ultimately saved Susan’s life.
- Personal Sacrifice: “We're talking about a dad of kids. Like, that's a big chunk of time to kind of devote to..." (Blaine, 04:55)
- Susan’s Gratitude: She called both Markenzi and the landscaper her "angels" for intervening.
The Stings and Undercover Work
(05:16–06:09, 15:55–17:29)
- Building the Case: Multiple recorded meetups with wired cars, risky in-person exchanges.
- Infamous Moment: Ira nearly discovers a hidden camera, but Markenzi quickly invents a cover story: "Oh, it's for the kids games or whatever. And Ira totally buys it." (Andrea, 05:16)
- Journalistic Parallels: Andrea recalls her own heartbeat-raising undercover Dateline experience in an earlier adoption scam investigation—highlighting the tension and skill required in sting operations.
Psychological and Emotional Fallout
(06:31–09:27, 13:33–14:44, 21:33–21:41)
- Susan’s Ordeal: Living with the knowledge her husband tried to have her killed twice left Susan traumatized and fearful.
- Andrea’s Reflection: "Imagine being Susan...she had a target on her back twice.” (Andrea, 06:31)
- Aftermath: The profound impact on Susan and her children, compounded by public scrutiny and ongoing threats.
Ira Bernstein’s Mindset & Legal Maneuvering
(09:27–11:46, 13:33–14:44)
- Victim Mentality: Ira consistently frames himself as a victim, blaming those around him—including his victims and even law enforcement/journalists.
- "He is always the victim, right? He blames other people for everything..." (Andrea, 09:36)
- Courtroom Encounter: Andrea describes a surreal moment when she found herself sitting right next to Ira at a sentencing hearing.
The Absurdity and Repetition
(14:44–16:02, 23:03–25:11)
- Recidivism: Despite being caught and imprisoned for attempted murder, Ira quickly returned to plotting again after his release — "The judge called it mind boggling." (Andrea, 14:44)
- Absurd Ideas: A failed scheme discussed planting drugs in Susan’s car to have her arrested, a plan so ridiculous the landscaper shut it down—"Who's going to think that a woman who goes to book club...is carrying a kilo of drugs in her car? That's the stupidest thing I ever heard." (Detective Braddock, 24:05)
The Accomplice: Kelly Vribalook
(19:51–20:58)
- Complex Character: Kelly, a former mortician turned shoe salesperson, remained devoted to Ira and was the one doing the “dirty work,” though she ultimately served a longer initial jail stint than he did.
- “It was almost like it wasn’t that bad...her loyalty to Ira...he bails out in like four days or whatever.” (Andrea, 19:51)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Opening Shock: “This was wild. This was all over the place. I didn’t know what to expect...this one was insane.”
— Blaine Alexander (01:43) - On Markenzi’s Bravery: “He’s really putting himself in danger...you know, now you’re messing around with people capable of murder.”
— Andrea Canning (05:16) - Ira’s Mindset: “He is always the victim, right? He blames other people for everything.”
— Andrea Canning (09:36) - Absurdity in Plotting: “Let's plant a kilo of drugs in her car.”
— Detective Peggy Braddock (23:54) - On Murder for Hire: “The dumbest thing about murder for hire is now you’re involving another person...That’s a lot of trust to place in someone.”
— Andrea Canning (26:02)
Key Timestamps
- 01:06–03:13: Case summary — marriage, affair, murder plots, and twists
- 03:25–05:16: Difference from typical Dateline cases; Markenzi’s role
- 05:16–06:09: Undercover work and high-tension moments
- 09:27–11:46: Ira’s responses, courtroom anecdotes, victim mentality
- 14:44–16:02: Aftereffects, lessons unlearned, judge’s response
- 19:51–20:58: Kelly Vribalook’s role and character insights
- 21:33–21:41: Focus on Susan’s privacy and emotional toll
- 23:03–25:11: Escalating and absurd plot details (planting drugs)
- 28:11–31:25: Q&A: mortician background, motivations, legal outcomes
- 31:38–31:40: Episode wrap-up and farewell
Listener Q&A Highlights
(28:11–31:25)
- Kelly’s Mortician Experience: Trained but never actually embalmed due to Jewish customs.
- Ira’s Wealth: Comes from various podiatry centers and real estate investments.
- Victim Compensation: Susan’s civil suit against Ira and his sister is unresolved.
- Markenzi’s Compensation: He did not receive payment for his involvement; acted out of goodwill.
Tone and Takeaways
The episode is marked by a mix of disbelief, empathy, and occasional levity at the utter absurdity of Ira’s plots (while always returning to the seriousness of the real-life stakes). Both hosts balance journalistic scrutiny with personal reactions—especially regarding Susan’s prolonged trauma and the inexplicable persistence of Ira’s criminal intent.
Final Reflection:
This case stands as a rare Dateline where the intended murder never happens, the heroes are unlikely, and the central villain—rather than learning a lesson—simply tries again. The hosts’ candid, conversational tone draws out both the emotional resonance and the bizarre, almost cinematic quality of the true story.