In the NBC News podcast episode 'House of Cards,' detectives in Edmonton race against time to uncover the gruesome truth behind Johnny Altinger's disappearance, linked to filmmaker Mark Twitchell. Twitchell's trial reveals unexpected twists, as he admits to disposing of human remains but denies murder. Key evidence includes a diary, forensic findings, and Twitchell's own confession during a police interrogation. Despite claims of self-defense and fictional intentions, the jury convicts Twitchell of premeditated first-degree murder, highlighting his blurred line between reality and fiction.