Podcast Summary: Nero Wolfe 82-01-23 Before I Die

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Nero Wolfe 82-01-23 Before I Die
• Release Date: March 15, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Before I Die," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the intricate world of Nero Wolfe, the reclusive and brilliant detective. The story unfolds in Wolfe's office, where tensions simmer amidst a post-war meat shortage, setting the stage for a complex web of blackmail, deceit, and murder.

Initial Conflict: Blackmail from Daisy Parrot

The episode kicks off with Archie Goodwin, Wolfe's astute assistant, dealing with a pressing issue. A character named Daisy Parrot, renowned as the "king of the black market," arrives seeking Wolfe's expertise.

• Daisy Parrot's Demand: Daisy confronts Archie, revealing she is being blackmailed by someone claiming to be her daughter. She demands Wolfe's intervention to stop the blackmailer.

  Daisy Parrot (02:55): "I want to see Wolf."

• Wolfe's Reluctance: Initially, Wolfe is hesitant to get involved, emphasizing the dangers of intertwining detective work with Daisy's illicit activities.

  Nero Wolf (04:11): "But like everyone else, I have my smudges. Where is some meat?"

• Escalation of Threats: Daisy explains the gravity of her situation, detailing how her blackmailer, under the guise of being her daughter, has been extorting money from her.

  Daisy Parrot (07:33): "That someone will find my daughter and tell her the truth. It's ruined my life having a daughter where she's concerned."

Introduction of Harold Stevens and Morton Shane

The narrative takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Harold Stevens and his fiancée, Morton Shane. They arrive seeking Wolfe's assistance, intertwining their fate with Daisy's predicament.

• Betrothal Dinner: Archie orchestrates a betrothal dinner between Harold, Morton, and Wolfe to gain Wolfe's attention and secure his help.

  Archie Goodwin (13:23): "Morton, let's go have dinner with Mr. Wolf."

• Wolfe's Behavior: During the dinner, Wolfe reveals his disinterest in legal matters, cleverly diverting the conversation away from business topics.

  Nero Wolf (14:11): "For God's sake, Morton, I hope you're prepared to face the fact that very few people like lawyers."

Unraveling the Blackmail Scheme

As the plot thickens, Daisy Parrot's true intentions and the complexities of her blackmail scheme come to light.

• Violet Parrot's Revelation: Daisy discloses that the daughter she mentioned is actually Angelina Murphy, not her real daughter, and reveals her elaborate scheme to protect her true daughter's identity.

  Daisy Parrot (09:44): "My daughter is Violet Parrot. Her real name is Angelina Murphy."

• Confrontation and Violence: The tension culminates in a violent encounter where Archie is shot, leading to a frantic pursuit and the uncovering of multiple murders orchestrated by Wolfe to protect his interests.

  Archie Goodwin (22:51): "I'm shot. Oh, my God, I'm shot."

Climactic Resolution

The episode reaches its climax as Nero Wolfe skillfully navigates through deception and confronts the culprits behind the murders.

• Wolfe's Strategy: Wolfe gathers all parties involved, including the deceptive Morton Shane and the corrupted Daisy Parrot, revealing the intricate connections and motivations behind their actions.

  Nero Wolf (44:00): "Mr. Perrott's real daughter is at this moment in this house."

• Final Confrontation: Through sharp deductive reasoning and tactical maneuvering, Wolfe exposes the truth, ensuring justice is served while maintaining his enigmatic persona.

  Nero Wolf (48:51): "You're merely his loving and obedient daughter. But it would be nice to have an allowance of, say, 300 a week."

Conclusion

"Before I Die" is a masterful installment in the Nero Wolfe series, showcasing the detective's unparalleled intellect and unyielding determination. The episode intricately weaves themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of deceit, leaving listeners enthralled until the very end.

Notable Quotes:

• Nero Wolf (00:43): "What time is it? Our team."

• Daisy Parrot (05:27): "Being blackmailed by my daughter."

• Archie Goodwin (08:44): "Uh huh huh."

• Nero Wolf (14:37): "I do nothing without Mr. Goodwin."

• Archie Goodwin (16:13): "Well, why didn't you handle her? Or have her handled her?"

• Daisy Parrot (37:05): "What if I wasn't there?"

• Nero Wolf (43:57): "You lead all of this, you fat, lying son of a bitch. I'm going."

• Archie Goodwin (48:31): "The DA's decided not to charge Meeker or Fabian because a man has a right to defend himself."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key events, character dynamics, and pivotal moments of the "Before I Die" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers to the series.