Unsolved

Unsolved, a true crime anthology show from the USA Network that aired in 2018, plunges into the murky depths of two unresolved high-profile murder investigations from the 1990s. The gripping ten-episode series retrospectively scrutinizes the murders of Tupac Shakur, the prodigious rapper and actor, and Biggie Smalls also known as The Notorious B.I.G, one of the all-time greats in the rap industry.

Conceptualized and executive produced by Kyle Long, the series navigates between two separate timelines, subtly connecting dots to unravel the mystery that still revolves around these infamous murders. The show leverages a docudrama narrative approach, seamlessly blending reality with compelling storytelling that hooks the viewer’s attention from start to finish.

The parallel narratives of Unsolved are what set it apart. The first narrative timeline showcases the initial murder investigations, led by LAPD detective Russell Poole in 1997, into the murders of both rap icons. The second timeline, follows, Greg Kading, a seasoned detective and task force lead in 2006, who was assigned to re-investigate the cold cases as part of a federal task force. The series juxtaposes these two timelines, each adding its unique perspective, providing a more comprehensive view of the notorious unsolved cases.

The series presents an unprecedented insight into the law enforcement agencies' efforts, delving into the complexities, controversies, and biases that hindered the original investigations. It paints a multifaceted picture of the Los Angeles police department, exposing the plausible corruption, rivalry, and red tape that existed within its ranks nonchalantly. The determined detectives face challenges beyond their control, highlighting the systemic and procedural impediments the police had to grapple with, which added another layer of complexity to the already convoluted cases.

Unsolved is not just about the police investigations; it provides a memorable snapshot of Tupac and Biggie’s personal lives, their friendship, and eventual rivalry, and how their tragic deaths shook the hip-hop community to its core. The series offers viewers a poignant look into the nuances of both the rap artists' lives, delving into their inspirations, motivations, and struggles. To portray this accurately, the show features flashbacks to crucial stages in Shakur’s and Smalls’ lives and careers, taking the audience on a journey through the golden age of hip hop.

The show’s stellar cast delivers a mesmerizing performance that rekindles the charisma and personas of the fallen rap icons. Marcc Rose embodies passionate rebel spirit of Tupac Shakur, while Wavyy Jonez depicts the contemplative yet magnetic aura of Biggie Smalls in their respective roles with brilliant conviction. Jimmi Simpson and Bokeem Woodbine play the dedicated detectives Russell Poole and Daryn Dupree respectively, while Josh Duhamel portrays Greg Kading, depicting the relentless pursuit for justice with convincing complexity.

Unsolved explores the cultural impact of the murders, the suspects, the conspiracy theories that sprang up, and the frustration towards the law for failing to deliver justice. It subtly hones into the palpable tension between East Coast and West Coast rap during the 90s, where Shakur and Smalls were figureheads.

Additionally, Unsolved provides a potent commentary on the racial politics and the strained relationship between the African American community and law enforcement, both of which indirectly influenced the investigations. It underscores the socio-political climate that permeated the 90s, reflecting on hard-hitting issues like racial profiling and police brutality that continue to remain relevant today.

Unsolved does an exemplary job at humanizing the larger-than-life figures of Shakur and Smalls, offering more than their widely publicized hyperbolic rap personas. It illuminates the multifaceted personalities of the influential rappers and their significant contribution to music while putting a spotlight on the failures and limitations within the system that let their murders remain unsolved.

Unsolved is a thought-provoking series that dissects the notorious killings of two iconic figures who defined a genre within the music industry. It is an engrossing blend of true crime and biographical dramatization that delivers a comprehensive view of the cases, drawing from both police records and personal accounts. The show's blend of fact and fiction takes viewers on a riveting journey of suspense, capturing the charged atmosphere of the time, and the profound impact the loss of these artists inflicted on the cultural landscape. For fans of hip hop, true crime, or compelling narratives, Unsolved serves as an absorbing watch that explores the frailties of justice in the face of power, politics, and prejudice.