The Idiot – Chapter 3 (March 26, 2026)

Podcast by Serial Productions & The New York Times

Host: Masha Gessen

Episode Overview

Theme:
In this riveting third chapter, journalist Masha Gessen attends the trial of their cousin, Allen, accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against his ex-wife, Priscilla. Gessen takes listeners inside both the family’s struggle to make sense of Allen’s actions and the legal proceedings that finally lay bare his intentions. The episode interrogates family loyalty, denial, and the limits of empathy when loved ones do monstrous things.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Trial: Allen's Transformation and Family's Denial

• [00:24] Masha describes Allen’s dramatic physical transformation and speculates on the intentions behind his court appearance—his new thinness, stooped posture, and a long gray beard reminiscent of a family story about their persecuted great-grandfather.
• The family clings to the hope of entrapment, with some believing Allen has been forced or tricked into a crime by law enforcement.
  • Quote: "The mind kept looking for a way to make what Allen did seem maybe a little less bad." (Masha Gessen, 01:31)
• Masha positions themselves as the family’s truth-seeker, attending the trial to collect definitive evidence of Allen’s guilt to squash any lingering doubts.

2. Structure of the Trial and Key Players

• [05:24] The jury trial is described as "a play put on for an audience," with the unique aspect of all leading courtroom figures being women.
• Jury selection is unexpectedly candid, with potential jurors sharing personal details about divorces and custody battles.

3. The FBI Undercover Operation

• [07:23–13:46] The undercover agent "David" testifies that Allen's case emerges from a broader FBI investigation into money laundering and shady Russian business associates.

• Conversations between David, Allen, and Allen’s associate Kiselev are played for the jury, revealing discussions of bribes to deport Priscilla and schemes about a bulletproof vest factory.

• Notable Moment: The Boca Raton meeting is staged like a mafia film, complete with performative clothing and swagger.

  • Quote: “Alan is being international man of mystery. David is going full mafioso... they are the Alan and the David at the Boca Raton.”
    (Masha Gessen, 11:35)

4. Turning Point: The Murder-for-Hire Plot

• [18:25–25:43] The most incriminating moment occurs when, after discussing bribery and deportation, the conversation shifts to the prospect of a "more permanent" solution for Priscilla. Allen quickly and clearly agrees to pursue murder.

  • Quote: “The time that elapses between the agent saying that’s up to you, and Alan’s agreement... is a fraction of a second. He doesn’t take a breath... He jumps right in with both feet. And then it gets worse.”
    (Masha Gessen, 19:14)

• Allen reveals he’s already researched prices for such a hit—$220,000 via other criminal groups. David (the agent) offers his "family’s" services as more affordable and reliable.

• Repeated reconfirmations of Allen’s intent and happiness to proceed with the murder-for-hire.

  • Quote: “Very happy to proceed with it. What a productive meeting for the undercover agent. He came for bribery and was leaving with murder for hire.”
    (Masha Gessen, 22:52)

• The agent persistently emphasizes the finality of murder, seeking ironclad proof of Allen’s will and state of mind:

  • Quote: "But you have to be sure that this is what you're—" “I'm sure.” “And this is not, like, the reaction. This sounds like it's been well thought out.”
    (David & Allen exchange, 23:25–23:38)

5. Logistics and Séance of Allen's Guilt

• [27:30–29:57] At a subsequent Manhattan meeting, Allen gives David a gold coin towards the agreed-upon fee and supplies details about Priscilla’s schedule and routines.
  • Quote: "The contract was for consulting. And once again, the undercover agent gets Alan to reconfirm that he really wants to go through with having Priscilla killed, again."
    (Masha Gessen, 29:30)
• Allen is unperturbed by potential collateral victims:
  • “I am absolutely ambivalent to the modalities and circumstances. As long as we achieve project objectives, additional unexpected expenses are part of doing business.”
    (Signal message, quoted at [31:58])

6. The Prosecution’s Case and Allen’s Defense

• [36:58–39:00] Allen chooses to testify, framing himself as a devoted father used to resolving things with bribes, never murder.

  • He offers strained semantic distinctions (“definite” vs. “permanent”), claiming he meant only forceful deportation, not killing.

• The prosecutor systematically dismantles Allen’s defense on cross, highlighting the absurdity of his claims and exposing their contradictions.

  • Quote:
    “You both lived in Boston and you want her deported to Zimbabwe so you can both co parent internationally?”
    (Prosecutor to Allen, 44:10)

7. Verdict and Reactions

• [44:58] The jury quickly finds Allen guilty.

  • Quote: “When she said guilty, I literally, I just burst into tears. I didn't expect that, but I felt it was like a huge sense of relief.”
    (Priscilla, 45:28)

• Priscilla shares a cathartic sense of having been believed and protected:

  • Quote:
    “The amount of care and attention that's been given to investigating this, to protecting me, kind of made me start feeling like I was a person... that is something that is I am forever grateful for.”
    (Priscilla, 46:36)

8. Masha’s Reflections and Ethical Considerations

• [47:16–49:30] Masha struggles with her own reaction—experiencing satisfaction in Allen’s humiliation and punishment, questioning her ability for “strategic empathy.” She acknowledges wanting vengeance—an impulse she’d otherwise reject.
  • Quote: “All it took to get there was 35 hours of phone conversations with Allen, some of the strangest interviews I've ever conducted. That's next time on The Idiot.”
    (Masha Gessen, 49:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:31 | Masha Gessen | "The mind kept looking for a way to make what Allen did seem maybe a little less bad." | | 11:35 | Masha Gessen | “Alan is being international man of mystery. David is going full mafioso.” | | 18:25–19:14 | Masha Gessen | "If there's a cheaper way to get rid of her... There is a cheaper way and probably a more permanent way to do it..." | | 22:52 | Masha Gessen | “Very happy to proceed with it. What a productive meeting for the undercover agent..." | | 23:28 | Allen | “I'm sure.” | | 31:58 | Allen (text) | "I am absolutely ambivalent to the modalities and circumstances. As long as we achieve project objectives, additional unexpected expenses are part of doing business." | | 44:10 | Prosecutor | “You both lived in Boston and you want her deported to Zimbabwe so you can both co parent internationally?” | | 45:28 | Priscilla | "When she said guilty, I literally, I just burst into tears..." | | 46:36 | Priscilla | “The amount of care and attention that's been given to investigating this, to protecting me, kind of made me start feeling like I was a person... that is something that is I am forever grateful for.” | | 47:16 | Masha Gessen | “This is going to be the first story in my career where the FBI are the good guys.” | | 47:36 | Priscilla | “The maximum.” (on what sentence she wanted for Allen) | | 49:25 | Masha Gessen | “All it took to get there was 35 hours of phone conversations with Allen, some of the strangest interviews I've ever conducted. That's next time on The Idiot.” |

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:24] – Masha’s introductory reflection at the trial
• [05:24] – Description of the unique jury, judge, and prosecution
• [10:35] – Undercover agent’s first meeting with Allen (Boca Raton)
• [18:25] – The conversation shifts to murder for hire
• [27:30–29:57] – Manhattan steakhouse meeting; money and logistics
• [31:58] – Allen’s “absolutely ambivalent” Signal message
• [36:58] – Allen’s testimony; defense’s arguments
• [44:58] – Verdict, Priscilla’s emotional response
• [46:36] – Priscilla on reclaiming self-worth; Masha’s feelings on vengeance and empathy

Tone & Style Notes

Throughout the episode, Masha’s narration is deeply personal, reflective, and at times, bitterly ironic. There is a tension between journalistic detachment and familial pain, resulting in a raw, brutally honest account. The legal and criminal details are laid bare with a mix of dark humor and righteous indignation. Priscilla’s voice brings moments of quiet catharsis and restoration of dignity.

For Next Time

The episode closes with the promise that the following chapter will grapple with Masha’s efforts to actually empathize with Allen—teasing "35 hours of phone conversations... some of the strangest interviews I've ever conducted."

This summary captures the core events, emotional stakes, and intellectual inquiry of "The Idiot – Chapter 3." It is designed as a comprehensive guide for those who have not listened but wish to understand the plot, characters, and moral complexity at its heart.