
On this episode of The Horror, Lights Out brings us its story, Until Dead. This was originally broadcast on February 2, 1943. Listen to more from Lights Out https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/TheHorror1229.mp3 Download TheHorror1229 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support The Horror
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Arch Oebler
Oh, stories, real stories and murders do turn out your legs. Turn them out.
Bob Stevenson
Good evening.
Arch Oebler
Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous. Perhaps you can't. By telling a story, we are meant.
Franklin
To call from out of the past.
Arch Oebler
Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and.
Bob Stevenson
Terror by radio's masters of the macabre.
Arch Oebler
Stories of the supernatural. The supernova dramatized by fantasy. The mystery, the unknown. We tell you this, Franklin. So if you wish to avoid the excitement tensioning of these magnet play, we urge you our.
Narrator
Welcome back to the horror. We're going to hear a story from Lights out this week. A series that primarily ran from 1934 to 1939, returned to radio in 1942 and was off and on in a series of rebroadcasts until 1947. Our story today is from February 2, 1943. It's titled Until Dead.
Bob Stevenson
Ironized Yeast presents. Lights out, everybody.
Arch Oebler
It is later than you think.
Bob Stevenson
Lights out brings you stories of the supernatural and the supernormal. Dramatizing the fantasies and the mysteries of the unknown. We tell you this frankly. So if you wish to avoid the excitement and tension of these imaginative plays, we urge you calmly but sincerely to turn off your radio now.
Franklin
This is Arch Ovaler. He walks the earth, the little man. You look at him and say, what can he do? But then comes war and barbarism threatens his own home. And suddenly the little man towers over the earth. A figure of vengeance. This too, tonight is a story of vengeance. But before we begin, Bob Stevenson wants.
Arch Oebler
To ask you a question.
Bob Stevenson
Does day's end find you so worn out and all in that you can't enjoy the evening? Are you so jittery and underweight and under par that you're losing out in your work and in your funeral? Well, maybe you simply need more vitamin B and iron than you're getting from your food. And if so, try ionized yeast tablets. These amazing little tablets are a two way tonic. They give you both vitamin B and iron. They've been a truly remarkable help to thousands who simply needed more of these substances. Helped these weak, weary folks gain glorious new pep and strength. And 5, 10 even more pounds of good new flesh often in just a few weeks. Remember the name ironized yeast tablets. And now Lights out, Everybody.
Arch Oebler
You've got 10 minutes with him, counselor.
Bob Stevenson
I know, I know.
Arch Oebler
Well, Rogan, I understand you wanted to see me. Sit down, Council.
Bob Stevenson
I'm very busy.
Arch Oebler
On standing. Yes. What's on your mind? There's always a chance, you know. The jury's been out three hours. The devil with the jury. Get me a knife. Huh? Get me a knife. A knife? Are you insane? A knife. Get me one. But. But why? You've got a chance. My. My final summation. The jury. My, my.
Bob Stevenson
Deadlock.
Arch Oebler
Yes, deadlock. Shut up and listen to me. Well, when the jury comes in, he'll be there, sure. He. Mark Street. Oh. Oh, him. You still don't believe.
Bob Stevenson
Oh, but I. I do.
Arch Oebler
I do. I definitely believe that an individual by that name does exist. Exist. He killed my wife. But.
Bob Stevenson
But the evidence.
Arch Oebler
He killed my wife. You hear me? He killed my wife.
Bob Stevenson
Yes.
Arch Oebler
Yes, I know. No, you listen to me. You listen, or I'll make you listen. For days you've been out there in that courtroom talking words, words. High sounding, legal words all the time. You won't believe the word I told you all the time. Back to that mug of yours you've been thinking. Yeah, he killed her. He killed her. I killed her. Swellest thing that ever came into a man's life, Maca. I want you to know, brother. Get it out of me. Marie was my wife. She was helping me and loving me. Guy come along who couldn't stand her being happy, took a look at Marie. And in that rat mind, he must have said to himself, okay, beautiful, I'm gonna get you. How and when, I don't know. But someday, beautiful, someday. That's what he said. That's what he did. What? One night he came over. Sure, he got to be my friend. He came over. And when Marie told him I was working late down at the plant, he said he'd wait for me. Business. Business of hell.
Mac Rogan
What?
Arch Oebler
Oh, how can I tell you? I. I can only think it in my head and remember it. In my head. I hear her. I hear about you fighting against. Fighting. I don't hear any fighting. Fighting. She must have clawed at his eyes and that knife in his hand. He stabbed her once and again. And the third time when I got home, she had strength to whisper just two words to his name. And that she was dead and he killed her. He'd frame me so I'd take the rat. Me that loved her. Mark Street. He did it. You hear me? Mark Street. But no trace of the man. He'll come back, I tell you. He'll come back. Now to hear that jury speak its peace. He'll come back. I know he will. That'll be my chance to get him. Get me that knife. But, Mac, a knife. I got to have it. He'll be there. I can give it to him once, twice, three times. The way he did to her. And his face and his neck and his dirty heart. Dead the way she's dead. His blood wiping out what he did to her. A knife. Get me a knife. Order in the courtroom. Order in the courtroom. And Ellis will clear the courtroom and that order is immediately restored. You've got it. I'm like, everything's going to be all right. But I. Where is it? You certainly didn't think I'd really. Well, I mean, a man in my position. You can bring it. Be sensible, Mac. How could I? Your wild story about revenge against a man nobody knows. Double cross, Knight. Jury's coming in. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached the verdict?
Mac Rogan
We have, your honor.
Arch Oebler
You will read the verdict.
Mac Rogan
We, the jury find the defendant is charged in the indictment guilty of murder in the first degree.
Arch Oebler
Prisoner will rise and face the court. He's talking to you, Mac. What? The prisoner will rise, Judge. Get up, Rogan. Mark street, you're here. I know it. Macrogen. Have you anything to say before a sentence is passed upon you? I see him, Rogan. What's the matter? Mark Street. He's here. Here. Mark street, you're here. I see you. I'll get you. Now, now. He's here. Park Street. I've got to get him and kill him. He free me. He kill him. Let me go home. Follow me. You can't get away. You fear. I saw him. Mark street, listen to me. I'll get you, I tell you. I'll get you. Like you got word three times what's across your face and what's wrong. I'll get you, Mark Street. I swear I'll get you. I'm asking you as a particular favor to me, Rogan, to behave yourself. Yeah. Now, every man in this cell block is a condemned man. Disturbances just make it harder for everyone concerned. I ain't gonna be with you long, warden. There's two weeks yet, my boy. I'm not going out that way. Oh, escape, eh? I'm just telling you not to count too much on springing that trap. Don't try it, Rogan. No man's ever escaped from the death house in this penitentiary. A no man ever will. Yeah, well, this is it, Rogan.
Bob Stevenson
I wouldn't.
Arch Oebler
Hello, Rico. Elgar, open the cell door. In here, Rogan. What's the matter, warden? Your hotel getting crowded so you gotta give me a roommate? Now, behave yourselves, men. I don't want any trouble. I sure wouldn't. We don't make any trouble. I hope not. See you later, Wardens. Like a school teacher. Hi, Rogan. How do you know my name? There ain't much going on around here, Rico Bartelli. Don't know. Yeah, yeah. What do you want to know? How do you get out of here? Well, there's two ways. One through that door where you just came in with the warden. And the other through that green door down there at the other end. That's a funny door. It only opens up one way. And that's gonna hang me. A lot of guys say that, but they feed the worms just the same. I'm getting out of here. Well, it's easy just to talk. I gotta get out. Why? To kill you crazy. Well, never mind. To me it don't make no difference, just so long as you help me. I told you, Rico, about telling us lots of things. Well, listen to this. I know where to crack this place. You're just talking a guy in my spot. Don't just talk, my friend. Me, I ain't got time for talk. Yeah. They think they're gonna hang me three days from now.
Bob Stevenson
Oh, yeah?
Arch Oebler
That's why when I say something, I mean it. For you too, if you got the guts. I'm listening. Look, every day, four o' clock, they'll let me and you out in the room down there that they call an exercise room. We're supposed to walk up and down and get exercise so we'll feel good when they stretch our neck. Only you and me in the exercise room for 10 minutes. No guards. They figure it's all right because the room ain't got nothing in there. No window. And the guard locks it up from the outside. Then how do you. I'm trying to tell you the noon. There's nothing. Bare walls, bare floor. And in the floor there's one iron saw lid leading down to the saw that runs out of this place of the river. Marie. Sure, sure. You do like I say. Marie will see you pretty quick. This water, how deep is it? No, no. Doesn't make any difference. I can swim in it. Yeah. Not in this water, my friend. Why not? How far is it from where we can get in the sewer to the river? A mile. I can swim a dozen miles. Not in this water. Why not? Tell me why not. Hey, you guys, pipe down, okay? Screw gone to sleep. Tell me, why not. Because, my friend, after the pipe that's under the exercise room goes a little way. It joins the main pipe, well, and in the main sewer there's no room for swimming. The pipes filled with the top with water. I'LL swim it anyway. And breathe what? The water I gotta get out. Sure, you've said that before. But you ain't gonna get out if you don't listen to Rico. I tell you, the water in the sewer is up at the top. Maybe half or one inch. Clear air up on top. Not enough to swim, my friend, but just enough to get air if you got the right thing. What, a diving rig? Nah, a little piece of rubber pipe that you keep in your mouth. And you stick it up out of the water so you're sucking the air while you walk through the water that's over your head. Where do you get the rubber hose? Here. See, I got one right here. And I got another one for you. This end stuck in my mouth. Listen, I raise it high like this so it sticks up out of the water. And I suck up that little inch of air that's waiting up there on top. Mark Street. I'll be coming for you soon. Mark Street. What's that? All I want to know is you're gonna break with me down the so tomorrow. Man, you don't know what you're doing for me. Shut your mouth. I do it because I can't lift a heavy sore lay by myself. But with you we'll lift it. We'll lift it. Okay, tomorrow, 4:00 we try, huh? 4:00.
Bob Stevenson
Ladies and gentlemen, a deep breath please, before we go on with this story of vengeance and macrogen. Yes. And while we do so, girls, is this how you feel these strenuous war days?
Mac Rogan
No, I'm not going to dance for the soldiers. I'm too tired out to enjoy it. And since I've gotten so thin and run down and on edge, nobody wants to dance with me anyway. Well, you don't look so good lately. But listen, you know Sally Blake. Well, she was underweight and weary and jumpy too. And she found out that all she needed was more vitamin B and iron. Vitamin B and iron? I don't understand.
Bob Stevenson
Let me explain, miss. When you don't get enough vitamin B from your food, you may lose your appetite. So you don't eat enough. Then you may lose weight and lose your pep. Or you may not get all the good out of your food. And when you don't get enough iron from what you eat, you may be weak and pale and washed out.
Mac Rogan
Oh, dear. If more vitamin B and iron is what I need, I suppose I've got to take some disagreeable medicine. Sally didn't. She took ironized yeast tablets. She says they're a Cinch to take just pleasant little tablets. And you should see Sally now. She feels so peppy. And she looks like a million.
Bob Stevenson
That's easily explained, too. Ironized yeast gives you vitamin B plus iron. So when you need them, it helps. Two ways to step up your weight, and pep and sparkle. Try ironized yeast. If more vitamin B and iron is what you need, then see if pretty quick. You aren't saying.
Mac Rogan
I feel grand now. And since I've gained these nice pounds, I guess I look good, too. That handsome sergeant's always phoning me lately. Rnig sure is wonderful.
Bob Stevenson
And now back to lights out. This is the day and the time for the two condemned men to make their try for freedom.
Arch Oebler
Get plenty of exercise, boys. Won't be long now. Sure, screw well, exercise. Rico. Rico. The floor. There's no solar lid in it. What do you think they got a label on it or something? Quit talking. We gotta move fast. Show me. For the leather. Okay. Okay. Keep your pants on. There. You see the circle on the floor? Yeah. That's a lid. It's covered with cement, just like the floor. Mother in heaven. All that weight. How we lift it out. Quiet. Yeah. I got supplemental to the work. A cold chisel. I told you, Rico, Bartelli's a smart guy. This little piece of steel cost me plenty, but I got her. And she was gonna get me right out of here. Now, listen. Yeah? Look. I stick the chisel in the crack. I push up, the comfort comes up a little bit. Then you stick your fingers underneath. Okay, I got it. There. Now get your fingers under. Yeah. Okay. Now lift. Lift. Finger. Lid. You're crushing my fingers. Don't make no off that glass. Don't make any noise. Fingers. Mother. Immerse my fingers. Get that lid off me. I'll get it up again. Oh, yeah, I forgot. All you, the guy on the roof. Get the lid up. I got it now. Help me. I've got it. Up again. Help me lift it. Yeah. Okay. There it comes. There we go. Let it down. Never with no shankers. Go. Okay. You drop down there first. I don't know how deep the water is. Here it goes. Logan, Is it all right down there? Yeah. Come on. Okay. Water's not so deep. Only up to my waist. Which way now? This way. Come on. So blasted dark. I know the way. Yeah, the pigs. Faster. Lead the way. Faster. I can't go too fast. Main source someplace along here. I might fall in. Okay. Whoa. Yes. Thanks. Keep going. Keep going. It's black. I can't see nothing. I'll make A run. Shut up, Bart. Shut up. The water. Don't you feel it's moving faster? Yeah, you're right. That means the main sewer's up ahead. Come on, don't get so excited. Why shouldn't I? The main pipe's ahead. Yeah, the main pipe's ahead. That means we're going, right? I'm not afraid of drowning it. I can't Brown. I've got to kill him first. I can't drown. No. Ah, it doesn't matter to you. Come on. Wait a minute. Give me my piece of rubber hose first. Rubber hose? Yeah, sure, like you told me. To breathe through. And I mean sewer. Give it to me now and case of water separates us. Give you what? What's the matter with you? Me? Tell me what's up. Sure, sure, why not? I only got one piece of rubber hose. But Rico, you said that I saying, what is. That's two different things. I got one for me and me. You. You help me lift up that sword. I don't carry that swell. Now, if you want to go out and knock off that guy you always talk about. Okay, I ain't stopping you. Take a swim for yourself. Give me that piece of hose. You better take that swim while you're still healthy, my friend. Give me that hose. Hey, back for me. Give it to me. Okay, I'll give you a cold. Chisel tried to knife me. Get out, you devil. I got you now. Oh, I am. Yes. Your arm, Rico. Bending it to make you bend over. Bend over, Rico. Over. Get that head of yours under the water. Drink it, Rico. Fill your double crossing lungs with it. Drink. All right, Rico, I've got the chisel and the hose. Now you take that swim that you were gonna give me. Now, Mark Street. I'm coming after you. Hey, now. But shut the door. We're closed, see? Myers will scram. One o' clock's closing hours in this town. Help me. Hey. Hey, what's the matter with you? Mark Street. Huh? What's that you said? Mark Street. Where is he? Mark Street. Oh, you mean that lanky chiseler that I didn't know exactly. I mean, I. Well, I ain't seen the guy recent. Where? Where is he? Hennessy's place? Yeah, that's it. I remember hearing a couple of the boys saying he moved in up there. Say, say, wait a minute, fella. Don't you want a drink? Don't you want me to get well? Is that a note? Walks right out on me. I wonder. What in the neighborhood? Ain't that a funny Thing it ain't rained around here for a week and the guy's clothes were soaking wet. All right, all right. I'm a common. I'm a common. Waking a man up in the middle of the night, that's disturbing the beast. Well, what's the matter? Tell me. Tell you what? What's the matter, you drunk? What do you want? Mark Street. Mark Street. Is that what you said? They told me he's staying here.
Bob Stevenson
Was staying here.
Arch Oebler
You mean he's gone? That's all right. He's gone. Tell me where. Where is he now? He's down six feet in Rosamont Cemetery. Mark Street. He's died last week. Good night. Mark Street. Died last week. No, no, Mark Street. You can't cheat me that way. Rosemont Cemetery said. All right, Mark Street. I'm coming out to you. Yes. Why is John Burke so dark? So dark. If only the moon would. Ah, now I can see. Here. Bless my beloved wife. No, no, no, not you. Mark street, where are you?
Bob Stevenson
Where?
Arch Oebler
So many graves. White stones. Moonlight. So many dead. If you are here, I'll find you. Here lie the wattle remains of Henry Owen. Oh, no. I've got to find you, Mark Street. I've got to. Maybe this one. Here lies Mark Street. I found you, Mark Street. I've found you all. He's dead. I found you. But are you dead? I must know. I will know. I will know. I will know. I will know. I will know. I will know. I will know. I will. I will know. I will know. I will know. I will know. The coffin. The coffin. Oh, I'm down to you at last, Mark Street. Now I'll know. Oh, they covered you well, if it is you. Yes, it is you. Mark street cheated me. Oh, no. Maybe not. Maybe not. Maybe there's other maybe another world beyond this one. A world of dead. Where you are now. I'll go there. I'll go there. I'll get you there. Rico's cold. Chisel in my hand. I'll shove it in my heart. And then I'll be just like you. You hear me, Mark Street? It's Mac Mac Rogan talking to you. Wherever you are, I'm coming to you. Coming to you. Marie. Marie. Marie. I heard. How? When? I don't know. I. I heard you calling me, Mac Rogan. It is you, Marie. I heard you. I can hardly see. I don't know where I am, but I heard you.
Mac Rogan
You got your wish, my darling. What knocked there in front of you?
Arch Oebler
Mark Street. Mark Street. At last. No, no. Let me go. The jed turned to the dead. Let me go. And the knife, the knife you killed her with is in my hand. The knife. At last, Mark Street. I'll give you what you gave her. Once in a fate twice, a third time. Now go back to your grave, Mark street, and I'll go to mine.
Bob Stevenson
Mr. Oebler, do you really think that revenge can go beyond the grave?
Franklin
I like to think that it doesn't. I like to think that murder and mercy find equal rest in peaceful death.
Bob Stevenson
Well, I'm interested in next week's story. You go back to California to do that one. What's it going to be about?
Franklin
It's a long postponed tale. I started to do it three times in this program and each time something happened. I'll tell you of those postponements in a moment. After you finish what you want to tell us.
Arch Oebler
Well, briefly folks.
Bob Stevenson
If it's vitamin B and iron shortage that's keeping you thin and weak, tired, washed out and really only half living, then do dry ionized yeast tablets right away. They give you both vitamin B and iron. They cost but a few pennies a day. And they're sold on this no risk money back basis if you don't quickly begin to eat better, sleep better, feel much stronger and peppier. And if you are not convinced that ionized yeast will help you gain just the good pounds you need to look your best. The cost of the first bottle will be refunded to you in full by ionized yeast box iy Raleigh, NJ. Just be sure you get the one and only ionized yeast. Always ask for it by its full name, Ionized yeast. And look for the big IY on the package and on each tablet. And now what about this postponed story, Mr. Oebler?
Franklin
Well, we all start things we don't finish. Now before I started a word and started and didn't finish it. That reminds me of something that you folks may not have finished. I'm referring to your war stamp book. Don't say what again and turn that dial. You know that boy who used to live up the street from you who's in that flying fortress? He can't turn any dials and get out of there. When the shrapnel gets close, he's got to keep on. And so how about you and that war stamp book? How long since you put another stamp in it? Remember, four 25 cent stamps will buy a hand grenade. 1550 cent stamps by an anti tank mine. Six 25 cent stamps. A winter combat helmet. Yes, your money in war stamps can actually save the life of an American soldier. Here's another way to look at it. War stamps earn no interest. War bonds, on the other hand, do they pay you back $4 for every three. So looking at it either way as a dollar investment for your future, or better yet, an investment in a free world, you'd better put those spare dimes and quarters to work against the Axis for victory and for you in the future. Well, it'll mean a future of a free world.
Bob Stevenson
Ladies and gentlemen, tune in next Tuesday again for Arch Oebler's eerie story. He dug it up, a strange tale inspired by a visit to pre war England. And if you need more vitamin B and iron, be sure to try Ironized Yeast, the one and only ironized yeast with the big letters IY on the package and on each tablet.
Arch Oebler
It is.
Bob Stevenson
Later.
Arch Oebler
Than you think. Time waits for no man these days, not even for a man to shave. Speed is mighty important, so why not enjoy the quick, comfortable shaves that you get with Mole Brushless Shaving Cream? A quick yet comfortable shave. Quick because you can spread mole over your face as fast as you can move your fingertips. Quick because mole forms a protective film between your skin and your razor gives your razor something to ride on. Thus your razor just seems to skate over your skin, but your whiskers come off close and clean. Comfortable because Mole's protective film helps guard you from nicks and cuts. So why not try Mole today?
Bob Stevenson
This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Arch Oebler
Foreign.
Narrator
That'S the horror for this week. Hope you enjoyed the story this time. You can find more from lights out@ RelicRadio.com alongside all of the other podcasts and our Shoutcast stream. Lots to listen to there. If you'd like to help support it all, visit donate. Relicradio.com We've got some downloadable sections for certain donation amounts, though any amount is always appreciated and helpful. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.
Podcast Summary: "Until Dead" – The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
Episode Information:
1. Introduction to Vengeance and Mystery
The episode "Until Dead" dives deep into a gripping tale of vengeance, set against a backdrop of mystery and supernatural undertones. Hosted by Arch Oebler and Bob Stevenson, the narrative unfolds within the confines of a courtroom and a penitentiary, exploring themes of justice, retribution, and the haunting persistence of vengeance beyond death.
2. The Courtroom Confrontation
The story commences in a tense courtroom setting where Arch Oebler confronts his attorney, Mac Rogan, regarding the unresolved murder of his wife, Marie. Arch's desperation and obsession with avenging his wife's death become palpable as he vehemently asserts, “He killed my wife. You hear me? He killed my wife” ([04:18]).
Mac Rogan, weary and seemingly indifferent, responds with a cold professionalism, indicating a stalemate in the legal proceedings: “We have, your honor” ([07:02]). The tension escalates as Arch accuses the perpetrator, Mark Street, of orchestrating his own framing to evade justice. The courtroom drama highlights Arch's deep-seated mistrust in the judicial system and his unwavering determination to seek personal retribution.
3. Imprisonment and the Brewing Plot
Following the courtroom scene, Arch Oebler finds himself imprisoned, exacerbating his obsession with revenge. In his cell, Arch interacts with Rico Bartelli, another condemned inmate. Their conversation reveals Arch's fixation on avenging his wife's death: “Mark Street. But he free me. He kill him. Let me go home” ([07:20]).
Arch's determination is further illustrated when he remarks, “A knife. Get me a knife” ([03:57]), signaling his intent to take matters into his own hands. The dynamic between Arch and Rico sets the stage for a clandestine plot to escape from prison, driven solely by Arch's need for vengeance.
4. The Escape Plan and Descent into Darkness
As the narrative progresses, Arch and Rico meticulously plan their escape during their allotted exercise time. Arch outlines a daring plan: “Every day, four o’clock, they’ll let me and you out in the room down there that they call an exercise room” ([10:23]). The plan involves leveraging a hidden access point to the sewers, symbolizing a descent into darkness both literally and metaphorically.
The dialogue between the inmates reveals the strain and desperation of their situation. Arch's unwavering focus contrasts with Rico's skepticism, highlighting Arch's single-minded pursuit of revenge. Their interaction underscores the moral ambiguity and the lengths to which Arch is willing to go to achieve his goal.
5. The Climactic Confrontation
The climax of the story occurs as Arch successfully escapes and seeks out Mark Street. Under the eerie moonlight at Rosemont Cemetery, Arch confronts what he believes to be Mark: “Here lies Mark Street. I found you all. He’s dead” ([23:05]). The atmosphere is thick with tension as Arch grapples with the possibility that vengeance may transcend the mortal realm.
As Arch approaches the grave, a supernatural shift occurs. The manifestation of Mark Street confronts Arch, blurring the lines between the living and the dead. Arch's obsession culminates in a chilling exchange: “I’ve got the chisel and the hose. Now you take that swim that you were gonna give me” ([25:58]). The confrontation serves as a haunting exploration of whether revenge can truly provide closure or if it perpetuates an eternal cycle of torment.
6. Reflection on Revenge and Supernatural Aftermath
In the aftermath of the confrontation, the narrative pauses to reflect on the nature of revenge. Bob Stevenson poses a thought-provoking question to Arch: “Mr. Oebler, do you really think that revenge can go beyond the grave?” ([26:44]). Franklin responds with skepticism, emphasizing a belief in peaceful afterlife: “I like to think that murder and mercy find equal rest in peaceful death” ([26:49]).
This introspective moment challenges the listener to consider the consequences of harboring vengeance, suggesting that true peace may only be attainable through forgiveness and letting go of past grievances.
7. Conclusion and Host's Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with Arch Oebler and Bob Stevenson teasing future stories while interweaving subtle promotional content. The hosts encourage listeners to explore more tales of the macabre and to support the podcast through donations. The narrative leaves listeners pondering the supernatural implications of revenge and the thin veil between life and death.
Notable Quotes:
Arch Oebler: “He killed my wife. You hear me? He killed my wife.” ([04:18])
Mac Rogan: “We, the jury find the defendant is charged in the indictment guilty of murder in the first degree.” ([07:05])
Arch Oebler: “Mark Street. But he free me. He kill him. Let me go home.” ([07:20])
Arch Oebler: “A knife. Get me a knife.” ([03:57])
Franklin: “I like to think that murder and mercy find equal rest in peaceful death.” ([26:49])
Insights and Themes:
Obsession and Vengeance: Arch Oebler's fixation on avenging his wife's death showcases how obsession can drive individuals to extreme actions, often blurring moral boundaries.
Justice vs. Personal Retribution: The narrative contrasts the legal system's limitations with personal vendettas, questioning the efficacy and morality of taking justice into one's own hands.
Supernatural Undertones: The episode hints at supernatural elements, suggesting that the consequences of revenge may extend beyond the physical realm, intertwining with the afterlife.
Psychological Turmoil: Both Arch and Rico exhibit signs of psychological strain, highlighting the mental toll of imprisonment and the desperation that fuels their plans.
Conclusion:
"Until Dead" masterfully blends courtroom drama, psychological intensity, and supernatural mystery to craft a compelling story of vengeance. Through Arch Oebler's relentless pursuit of justice, the episode explores the dark depths of human emotion and the eerie possibilities of retribution that transcends death. Listeners are left contemplating the true cost of revenge and the fine line between justice and obsession.