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Lets begin with the mystery.
The inflammatory document would later be revealed as a fake.
One newspaper described it as a crude, apparent forgery.
But that didnt stop the panic over Islamic extremism from spreading nationwide.
(Not unlike how Americans treat the hunt for Iraqs alleged weapons of mass destruction, perhaps.)
Of course, moving on is a privilege enjoyed by those who werent directly harmed.
And remarkably, the identity and motivations of the letter writer are unknown to this day.
The eight-part series asks simple questions: Who wrote the letter and why?
(The two also produced this series with Rebecca Laks.)
Reed agreed to collaborate with him on what is essentially Syeds first major reporting endeavor.
You experience the jolt of excavating a new document, a new lead, a new name.
At one point, Reed and Syed flee the country in thrilling, perhaps excessively dramatic fashion.
The ride isnt all smooth.
But lets be real: These people can tell a damn story.
The partnership of Reed and Syed is the heart of the show.
Its not uncommon for narrative podcasts to feature multiple hosts.
This is my first story as a journalist.
Five minutes later, the perspective switches.
One of their early conversations about the purpose of the investigation serves as a spiritual thesis for the show.
Do you think well change anyones mind about anything?
Is that even an important ambition to hold, or does it not matter?
Syed asks his collaborator.
The things that motivate me to do a story are because its a good-ass story.
Both Reeds and Syeds philosophies are challenged and changed, mostly for the better.
I imagine some will probably gripe about how the series ends.
I wont disclose more except to say it worked for me.
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