Overview of Talking Dateline: Take Two
This Talking Dateline episode (hosted by Blaine Alexander with Andrea Canning) breaks down the Dateline episode “Take Two,” a real-life, multi-year attempted-murder story that reads like a thriller. The conversation reviews the plot to kill Susan Bernstein, the people who stopped it, the surprising twists (including a second plot after prison), investigative techniques (undercover sting, hidden cameras, wired car), courtroom moments, and listener Q&A.
Case summary
- Subjects: Ira Bernstein (a wealthy podiatrist), Susan Bernstein (his estranged wife), Kelly Gribalek (Ira’s mistress/associate), and a key civilian, Markenzie (who blew the whistle).
- What happened: Ira and Kelly plotted to have Susan killed. Markenzie—approached to arrange the hit—contacted police and helped run an undercover sting that prevented the murder. Ira and Kelly were convicted and imprisoned. After release, Ira allegedly tried again (choosing another reluctant would‑be accomplice), prompting a major update covered by the Dateline team.
- Outcome: Ira and Kelly served prison time (exact terms not detailed in the interview). Ira later reoffended with another failed plot. Legal nuances: Ira pled to tampering with evidence rather than conspiracy to commit murder, which contributed to lighter-sounding sentences than some listeners expected.
Main characters and roles
- Ira Bernstein: Wealthy podiatrist, portrayed as having a persistent “victim mentality” and contempt for his wife. Owned foot centers and real estate; was even the police department’s podiatrist.
- Susan Bernstein: Target of two murder plots; survivor and victim who requested no cameras in court to protect her privacy.
- Kelly Gribalek: Ira’s lover and co-conspirator; trained in embalming but did not practice due to religious reasons. Acted as Ira’s active accomplice and “shield.”
- Markenzie: Civilian who was approached to facilitate the murder-for-hire, refused, contacted police, and worked with investigators—wearing a wire and risking personal safety—to stop the plot.
- Detectives (e.g., Peggy Braddock): Led investigative work and explained some of Ira’s proposed tactics to entrap Susan.
Key investigative details
- Sting operation: Markenzie met repeatedly with Ira and Kelly while working with police. His car was wired and investigators met with him ahead of rendezvous to coordinate.
- Hidden cameras and surveillance were used; there’s a tense moment when Ira notices (or thinks he notices) a camera—Markenzie improvises a cover story and the plan continues.
- Undercover tactics were described as time- and risk-intensive for Markenzie (many meetups, personal danger).
- An additional exposed plot: Ira proposed planting drugs in Susan’s car—detected in a conversation recounted by Detective Peggy Braddock.
Timeline & notable events
- Affair begins: Ira reconnects with Kelly and they begin an affair and conspiracy.
- First plot: Kelly and Ira recruit others; Markenzie alerts police and participates in a sting—murder is prevented.
- Conviction and prison: Ira and Kelly imprisoned.
- Post-release: Ira allegedly tries again to have Susan killed; second legal proceedings follow (Andrea covered this major update).
- Civil litigation: Susan sued Ira and Ira’s sister for damages (reported as unresolved in the interview).
Themes, takeaways & observations
- Absurdity and escalation: The story is striking for how casually people discussed extreme crimes (e.g., planting drugs), and for Ira’s repeated fixation on eliminating his wife.
- Civilian courage matters: Markenzie’s willingness to cooperate with police prevented a homicide.
- Legal limits: Charges and plea choices (tampering vs. conspiracy) affect sentences and public perception of punishment.
- Lasting harm: Susan and the children endured long-term fear and trauma; her courtroom plea for privacy underscores real-world consequences beyond the sensational details.
- Investigative persistence: Dateline followed the case over many years; producers and reporters noted the personal and logistical effects of long-term coverage.
Notable quotes & moments
- Ira to Andrea outside court: “Why would I talk to you? You screwed me over the first time.” (illustrates Ira’s self-victim narrative)
- Detective Peggy Braddock recounting the drug-plant scheme: “Do you think we can do this to Susan?...he says, ‘well my wife drives an Audi,’” then discusses the absurd plan to plant drugs.
- Markenzie’s on-the-spot cover story when Ira nearly noticed a camera—moment described as heart‑pounding and decisive in keeping the sting viable.
Social media questions answered (highlights)
- Was Kelly a practicing mortician? She trained in embalming but did not embalming in practice—reportedly due to Jewish faith traditions.
- Was Markenzie paid for helping police? No—he assisted voluntarily to protect Susan.
- Why were the sentences perceived as light? Ira pled to tampering with evidence rather than conspiracy to commit murder, limiting the statutory exposure.
- Where did Ira’s wealth come from? Medical practices (foot centers) and investments/real estate.
- Did Susan get compensation? She sued Ira and his sister; that civil case was noted as unresolved at the time of the interview.
Production notes & extras
- Dateline followed the story for years; Andrea mentioned how long-span reporting shows in on-air appearance changes (e.g., hair, life events).
- Andrea shared a personal anecdote about once doing undercover reporting while pregnant (a separate story) and a coincidental mix-up tweeting the podiatrist’s name.
- An extra interview clip (with Detective Braddock) about the drug-plant idea did not make the main broadcast but was highlighted in this Talking Dateline segment.
Recommended next steps (for listeners/viewers)
- Watch or listen to the full Dateline episode “Take Two” (available as the episode directly below this podcast or on Peacock) to hear full interviews and recordings.
- Follow Dateline NBC on social media and use their voicemail line (212-413-5252) to submit questions or comments for future Talking Dateline segments.
- For more in-depth related content, consider Dateline Premium for early access and ad-free listening.
Final note
This episode illustrates how real-life crimes can read like movies but carry serious human consequences. The combination of civilian bravery, investigative surveillance, legal technicalities, and the baffling persistence of a conspirator makes “Take Two” a compelling and disturbing case.