Academy Award–winning actor Ariana DeBose joins Tracy E. Gilchrist to talk about Scarpetta, a tense thriller that doubles as a portrait of a big, messy Italian family and the woman at its center.

They discuss the ensemble cast, Lucy Scarpetta’s complicated role within the family, and how the series balances murder mystery with emotional survival inside a tight-knit but chaotic household.

The conversation also explores Lucy’s grief over her wife and the show’s provocative use of AI as a coping mechanism. Ariana reflects on the importance of authentic queer representation on screen and the emotional imperative to feel deeply and live fully.

The episode closes with a poignant reflection inspired by Prince’s iconic song “Purple Rain.”

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