S4 E02: Twenty Vicodin - How i Died | Wave AI Podcast Notes

Summary of "How I Died" Season 4, Episode 2: "Twenty Vicodin"

Released on July 16, 2025 by Audiohm Media

Overview

In "Twenty Vicodin," the second episode of the fourth season of "How I Died," forensic pathologist Jonathan Spacer delves deeper into the enigmatic deaths plaguing the town of Springfield. As Jon navigates his professional duties, personal demons, and supernatural abilities, new threats emerge, entwining his fate with shadowy organizations and unresolved vendettas.

Key Plot Points

Intense Confrontation with Crowley
- Timestamp: 00:02:30
- The episode opens with a heated exchange between Jon Spacer and Crowley. Crowley, filled with anger and resentment, confronts Jon about past events, blaming him for the death of a mutual acquaintance. He declares, “Every year on the anniversary of her death, and until you do, I'll remind you of how much of a piece of shit you are” (00:05:45).
Jon’s Struggles in Prison
- Timestamp: 00:10:00
- Jon, currently incarcerated, interacts with fellow inmates and prison staff. Discussions with Dr. Clark and Officer Hart reveal the tense environment and Jon's attempts to maintain his sanity amidst threats and isolation.
- A poignant moment occurs when Jon reflects on his isolation: “I’m stuck here all alone again” (00:25:30).
Frankie’s Desperate Plea
- Timestamp: 00:20:15
- Frankie, a pivotal character with connections to Jon’s past, visits Jon seeking assistance to communicate with his deceased grandmother. The conversation turns sour as Frankie expresses frustration: “You know, Doc, I really thought you'd be more useful to me” (00:35:20).
Mysterious Arrival of Alex
- Timestamp: 00:30:00
- Alex, a newly introduced character affiliated with Springfield Corp, approaches Jon with an urgent request to solve a murder case linked to the corporation's nefarious activities. Alex asserts, “We know what you can do. And I need you” (00:40:50).
Supernatural Encounters
- Timestamp: 00:40:00
- Jon experiences vivid interactions with ghosts, including a haunting memory of his grandmother. The apparition offers a glimmer of hope and encouragement: “You’re a good person, deep, deep down” (00:50:10).
Desperate Attempts for Help
- Timestamp: 00:50:00
- Locked in his cell, Jon attempts to make a desperate phone call to seek assistance. Frustrated by institutional barriers, he pleads, “I need your help. I don't know what I'm doing” (00:55:20), highlighting his desperation and dwindling options.
Climactic Confrontation with Frankie’s Associates
- Timestamp: 01:00:00
- The tension escalates as Frankie's associates confront Jon, leading to a visceral showdown. Frankie asserts his dominance, stating, “My guys aren't just protecting you from all those fucks you put away for nothing” (01:05:30).

Notable Quotes

Crowley to Jon:
“You didn’t just come here to get me to leave you alone. Yes, I did. [...] Until you do, I’ll remind you of how much of a piece of shit you are.”
00:05:45
Jon Reflecting on Isolation:
“I’m stuck here all alone again.”
00:25:30
Frankie to Jon:
“You know, Doc, I really thought you'd be more useful to me.”
00:35:20
Alex to Jon:
“We know what you can do. And I need you.”
00:40:50
Ghost of Jon’s Grandmother:
“You’re a good person, deep, deep down.”
00:50:10
Jon’s Desperate Plea:
“I need your help. I don't know what I'm doing.”
00:55:20
Frankie’s Threat:
“My guys aren't just protecting you from all those fucks you put away for nothing.”
01:05:30

Character Development

Jonathan Spacer:
Jon's internal conflict is palpable as he grapples with guilt over past actions and the burden of his supernatural abilities. His interactions with ghosts and the threats from characters like Crowley and Frankie reveal a man torn between seeking redemption and succumbing to his darker impulses.
Crowley:
Represents the lingering consequences of Jon's actions. His vengeful attitude underscores the personal stakes Jon faces beyond his professional investigations.
Frankie:
A complex figure whose loyalty is juxtaposed with his aggression. Frankie's desperation to reach Jon highlights unresolved tensions and the intricate web of relationships shaped by Springfield’s mysteries.
Alex:
Introduces a new dimension to the narrative, linking Jon's abilities to broader, sinister machinations within Springfield Corp. Alex's authoritative demeanor and cryptic messages hint at deeper conspiracies Jon must unravel.
Jon’s Grandmother (Ghost):
Serves as a moral compass and emotional anchor for Jon, providing moments of solace and encouragement amidst chaos.

Themes and Insights

Redemption and Guilt:
Jon's journey is marked by his struggle to atone for past mistakes. The persistent threats from Crowley and the haunting memories of his grandmother illustrate the heavy toll of guilt and the quest for forgiveness.
Power and Manipulation:
The influence wielded by Springfield Corp and characters like Alex reveals a dark underbelly of power dynamics. Jon finds himself entangled in manipulative schemes beyond his control, questioning whom to trust.
Isolation and Desperation:
Jon's incarceration amplifies his sense of isolation, forcing him to confront his vulnerabilities. His desperate attempts to seek help reflect the profound loneliness and the dire need for connection and support.
Supernatural vs. Reality:
The blend of supernatural elements with real-world conflicts creates a tension that drives the narrative. Jon’s ability to communicate with the dead serves both as a tool for investigation and a source of personal torment.

Conclusion

"Twenty Vicodin" masterfully intertwines personal drama with overarching mysteries, deepening the complexity of Jonathan Spacer's character while escalating the tension surrounding Springfield's dark secrets. As Jon battles internal demons and external threats, the episode sets the stage for further unraveling of the sinister forces at play, promising an enthralling continuation of the series' intricate storytelling.

Production and Cast

Written By: Vince Dejani
Sound Design: Chris Harris Beachy
Executive Producer: Michael Freiberg
Theme Song: Silent Mike Music
Starring:
- Shana Waring as Sheriff Crowley
- Luis Bermudez as Eric Mendez
- Kaitlyn Roberts as Amelia
- Chris Harris Beachy as Officer Hart and Agent Squires
- Guancarlo Herrera as Alex Juliet
- Ann Jelly as Dr. Iris
- Additional performances by Albie Robles, Anthony Morales, and others.

Additional Information

For premium content, bonus episodes, and early access to new episodes, visit Patreon.com/HowIDied.

Note: Timestamps are approximate and based on the progression of the transcript provided.

Transcript

Narrator (0:00)

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If you're as excited as we are, go to patreon.com howidied to binge up to episode 8 right now with more main episodes weekly and tons of bonus episodes coming along the season. Hope to see you there. Enjoy the show. Ben is. You need to stop. You hear me? Quit sending me letters. She just shut up. Shocked up. I don't want to even hear her name out of your mouth. You didn't just come here to get me to leave you alone. Yes, I did. Okay, because you don't seem to understand. It's over, spacer. You're where you should be and everything else is fucked up. So rot in there and quit toying with me by sharing. Who knows how you got it info about her. She told me. That's how I know. I don't want to. Just gotta help him there, John. And please let me move on. You testified in my hearing as a character witness before I knew what you did. It's not my fault she died. Yeah. Hey, Mendez. Hey. Sit down, Mendez. Tell him I'm out of the lake. What? Just tell him before. Mendez. Crowley says she's out of the lake. Sit down or you're done. I'm sitting. I'm sitting. She loves you, Mendes. She tells me those things about you and her in those letters. Some stuff I'd rather not know about. Hey, she's not gonna be here long. But for now, I can tell you what she's saying. She can hear you. And she's right here, Mendez. Just tell her you love her, too. I will be back, John. Every year on the anniversary of her death. And every year, I'll ask you if you finally accept that this is your fault. And until you do, I'll remind you of how much of a piece of shit you are. Not only for getting Crowley killed, but for this. This exploitation or manipulation or whatever it is. You have no one, John Spacer. Not me, and especially not Franz. Fuck you, Spacer. I. You know I have to. It's okay, Crowley. You don't owe me anything. I'll be back, though. I promise. Okay? I promise. Okay. It. Next. Robert. Here you go. Swallow. Oh, come on. No need for the vulgarity. Get moving. Next. Spacer. Dr. Clark. Doctors. John. Here you go. How's the dosage? Still not seeing those. So. So far, so good. Any interesting cases at the hospital? Move along, please. Listen. Next. Smithers. Hey, Doc, you want a game tomorrow? Don't want to lose his commissary. Like anyone sending him shit from the outside. 34. 35. Isaac. I'm busy. Today's the big day, huh? You nervous? Why? Because you hate crunches? Gotta look good for Judge Pierce. Trying to make me jealous? Hmm. He does look great in the robe. Keep that to yourself, Grouse. Ah, shut up. At least we do it consensually. Good luck. Don't need luck. I've been on my best behavior. Let me know if you need help finding anything. Yo. Jesus, Spider. Didn't even know you could read. Fuck you, Doc. I came for Frankie. He needs a reading. His grand just died or something. That's not how it works. Oh, you better make it work. I don't do that. Not a question, Bob. He's out of the yard. In and out. Be in his house or he'll be pissed. God, you guys are like caricatures of gangsters. I swear. Wait. What? Nothing. Just. I'll go see Frankie. Here. Take this with you before you go. I'll check it out. Under my name. Murder in the Cath Cathedral. The Fox a Cathedral? Just read it. You'll at least like the murder part. Oh. The fuck are you doing? Duck. Frank's not here. Oh, shit. He's gonna fuck you up for stealing. I'm getting things ready. With a reading. My first grandmother. I heard you kick the bucket. And you think I can just waltz into a prison room and conjure a ghost without prepping? Jeez, Hicks, you don't know anything. If you're the reason that I can't reach her, Frank's gonna fuck you up. Now can I get back to work? Whatever. I don't believe in that shit. I wouldn't sit there if I were. What the fuck? Nothing you don't believe. So what is it? I'm just saying they're gonna be pissed if you sit like they're not even there. They? A lot of people died in this prison over the years. If you piss them off, I wouldn't be surprised if they never let you get a decent night's sleep again. Huh? That's his grandmother. Spacer, there you are. You have a visitor. Who? Some Mexican dude. Kosher. Can't believe it's been a year already. Hurry up. What, am I being summoned? He's got some pull, apparently. Mendez can come back. I don't have to see him today. Don't make me write you up for going into someone else's room. Really? Like I said, this guy is a big shot. Fine. Don't get pushy. Let's get this over with. You are not Mendez. Hey there, Dr. Spacer. I'm not a doctor anymore. Maybe not entitled, but in spirit and smarts. They can't take that away from you very easily, at least. And what do you want? Not who am I. Just getting down to the nitty gritty, huh? What someone wants is more important than who they are. So I have somewhere to be. I'm. I'm Alex. And I'd like you to solve a murder. Thanks for the visit. Wait, don't you want to know who's murder? Look, man, I don't know what you saw on the news, but I can't actually see ghosts, okay? I was a paranoid schizo and now I'm on medication, so all better. Get the actual cops to help you. I hear that's what they're there for. Not to mention I'm locked in here. I'm supposed to get you out. I'm sure I was poorly represented. The case was mostly circumstantial. It doesn't matter. The thing that people like you don't get is that they want me behind bars. So regardless of the fact that here I am, at least you're not paranoid. Wait, wait. Don't hang up. It was a joke. You're really not curious about supposed to? What are you talking about? Language, man. It's important. The words we. The words we say, the order, they're said. That's all we got. And I said supposed to because I'm not the one with the power to get you out of here. Then what? But I got the authority from the power. Dr. Iris Lewis wants you. Iris Lewis? The world renowned neuropathologist. She's my boss. I'm here with the authority from her power to get you out. These damn phones. Have a good day. You were talking about Springfield Corp. Those were the they you mentioned, right? Look at the look on your face. See, you're realizing the name Spring Springfield Corp was left out of the courtroom. Documents, news reports, all that jazz. So then how would I know that they you're talking about, other than already knowing them? Wait, I confused myself. Point is, I work for the government organization that is dedicated to undoing all the wrongs Springfield Corp did. Dr. Iris is my boss. And we need you, Dr. Spacer. So when I say I can get you out of here, I mean she can, they can, whatever. But we can. Why me? You called that Springfield Court phone number. That's my job. To track everyone who does listen in on the damn phones. Once I told Iris about you, she said, ah, who cares? But then we got more news about the murder, and I realize you're uniquely affected by their experiments. Which murder? I should have clarified that. I can see how that's confusing. Point is, we know what you can do. And I need you. So Iris needs you. I'm not some freak show for display. Please. You're not even close to the weirdest interaction we've seen from those labs and their inhumane geothermal dissipations. I. I haven't seen a ghost in like, eight months. Because of the meds you're on or because no one's dying in here? What's going on? I don't know. It can be overwhelming to manage a business, especially when you're first starting out. Your to do list just keeps growing every day with new tasks, and that list can easily begin to overrun your life. Finding the right tool not only helps you out, but can simplify problems you haven't even encountered yet. And for millions of businesses, that tool is Shopify. 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Join my Lowe's Pro Rewards for free today and get ready to save more Lowe's. We help you save loyalty programs subject to terms and conditions. Details@lowe's.com terms subject to change. Get away. Get the. Get off of me. Welcome back. Don't struggle back. You know you like it. Fuck you. Do I have some sign on me that says, grab me out of the hallway today? Let go. You missed our date. You are gonna get us all in trouble. In trouble, he says. Listen, boy, Big brother doesn't give a fuck about you. I'm the only one who's watching, and you stood me up. Wasn't my. I didn't have a choice. Everyone's got a choice. You just might not like the outcome. Whoa, Frankie, man. You know, Doc, I really thought you'd be more useful to me. My guys aren't just protecting you from all those fucks you put away for nothing. And here you are, not returning a favor. I'm here now. And earlier. It's just disrespectful. What will I look like if I just let you do me like that? Like a very understanding person? Like a bitch? Doc, do you think I'm a bitch? No. Sorry. No, I don't think you're a bitch. So you understand what I gotta do. I know, right? But he won't listen. What? Oh, nothing. Just talking to Grammy. What were you about to do? She say something? You are so right. That's classic Frank. Are you talking to her right now? She's talking to me, but she can hear and see you. Let him up. Thank you. What is she saying? It's a weak connection. Interference or something. I need to. Can I have that? My smokes? Yeah, she's. Just give them to him, Bo. My. Yeah, thanks. I just need to. Whoa, Shut up, Spider. Much better. She's accepted the offering, so get on with it. I'm getting a faint image of the two of you. A picture, maybe a. Maybe a memory of you eating cake at your sixth. Sixth birthday. She's saying it's one of her fondest memories. She wants you to know she thinks you can do better. You're a good person, deep, deep down. And she's always loved you. She was an old bitch, but she was My old bitch. Weird, that memory seems exactly like this photo you were looking at in Frankie's drawer earlier. What? Wow. She really projected that image. Well to me. Ask her what her name is. What's that? You heard me. Look. Frankie. Sometimes. Oh. What the. There he is. They called you over from the hospital. You got the heck beat out of you? Feels like it. Did any of them need medical attention? No. Huff. Shame. Thought I got a couple of good hits in here, Admiral. Well, take it easy. Not my first radio. Guess I shouldn't have tried to reuse an old trick, huh? Dr. Spacer? When you do the same things sometimes. What I'm trying to say is that changes. What I'm trying to say is that changes why. What? I don't care so much about what. But why you're saying it because it's been a hard day for you. Okay? Goodbye, Dr. Clark. Oh, shit. How you think he's turned. Babe? John. Ow. How'd the parole hearing go? I'm so confused. Yeah. Yeah. I'm not sure how long I was out for, but I'm good now. Ish. Remains to be seen if Frankie's goon squad will try anything else. Long story. Seriously? The parole hearing? Not. Not well. I was denied. I'm sorry. Maybe we can appeal. That was the appeal. I'm still in here for a long while. Things can change. Maybe we can. John. Come here. Let me give you a hug. What? John, I. Who the fuck are you talking to, Spacer? What I'm talking to. I'm sorry. Yesterday, after I got back. You feeling all right? I mean, I'm sure you're not. What happened? Nobody told you? Christ. We. We found Santiago with a belt around his neck yesterday. He was already cold by the time someone got here. Sorry, Doc. I need to go. Don't go. What the fuck? I am not cleaning that up, too. John, stop. Wait. I don't know what's going on. One second I'm struggling to breathe, and the next I'm back here, looking down on my body and. Is this real? This is what you can do? No one else could see me. And everyone was saying about you. Everybody. Nothing. I can't do this. What are you doing? To make an outgoing call, please input your inmate pin. Please dial the number you wish to call. What was it? Fuck. Who are you calling right now? I need your help. I don't know what I'm doing. This is all super confusing. We're sorry. The number you dialed is no longer in existence. To make an outgoing call, please, your inmate pin. Has been used for today. Numbers will reset at. What's your pin? Really? Your pin. Please. People are staring. 1, 1, 1, 1. Please dial the number. I know. It's either this or seven kimod ring. We're sorry. The number you dialed. What are you doing? I need another pin. Ballsy of you to come ask me for something. Or. Stupid. Shut up. Sorry. I don't have many other options and I need to make a call. Can't wait till tomorrow? I'd rather not. So you come asking me for another favor. I'll make you an offer. Promise I won't refuse it. I want a prescription. For what? 20 Vicodine, refillable. Something that'll be valid in here. I don't have a license anymore. I can't just get. I trust you'll figure it out. So we got a deal? Whatever. Just give me a pin. You screw me over again, we're done. I won't protect you from the guys you put away. Got me? Give him your pin. Why me? Cause I gotta call my sister. Just give it to him, God damn it. Please dial the number you wish to call. Why would you promise him that? Come on. Lights out in five. Come on, come on. We're sorry. The number you've dialed is no longer in existence. No. Back to your cell spacer. I just need to make one more call. Tomorrow. Now move. Can we talk? No. What do you expect me to do? Just leave me alone. Isaac. No. It's not a request. I'm saying you will. You all will. That's the deal. That's how it fucking works. And I'm stuck here all alone again. So just get it over with and leave already. John, I am not your responsibility. And you're not mine. Let me sleep. Fine. Rise and shine, princess. Oh, wait. You have a visitor. The same guy from yesterday. Some Mexican dude. What's wrong with you? How did you. I monitor all the phone numbers. Even kind of close to the correct Springfield Corp. Number two. You'd be surprised how many elderly people misdialed. And then I gotta track em down. It's kind of exhausting. But you got news? It turns out the medication didn't do jack. Huh. Iris hasn't found anything that's undone the effects, so I doubt any doctor in this little town has either. No offense. Well, supposedly. Except for I'm getting ahead of myself. But that's why you were trying to call, correct? To help us in exchange for getting you out. Whose. Whose murder was it that you wanted me to. Pfft. Sorry. Say that again. Whose murder am I solving? Mine. Thanks so much for listening. And another quick reminder, if you want to hear more before everyone else, go to patreon.com to listen to early Access episodes right now. How I Died is an Audio Media original production written by Vince Dejani with layout and sound design by Chris Harris Beachy and executive produced by Michael Freiberg. Theme song created by Silent Mike Music Starring Shana Waring as Sheriff Crowley, Luis Bermudez as Eric Mendez, Kaitlyn Roberts as Amelia, Chris Harris Beachy as Officer Hart and Agent Squires. Guancarlo Herrera as Alex Juliet, ann Jelly as Dr. Iris. Also featuring performances by Albie Robles, Anthony Morales, Maya Murphy, June Yoon, Bea Gnar, Nicholas Contreras, Alejandro Pedroza, Mick Wheaton, R.E.M. isaac Monroe, Naseem Benalcourt, Nick Bean, Angela Yee, Ray O', Hare, Gothyard Hoover, Vin Vox, Melissa Lusk, D.W. draffin, Patrick Langner, Robert Echols, Karen Heyman and Tyler rudis. Check out patreon.com howidied for bonus content, ad free episodes and exclusive miniseries. If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to rate on your preferred podcast app app. It really helps us get in front of new listeners. 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