I binge watched this new Netflix series earlier in the week. As a retired LEO (30+ years experience) and a investigative/subject matter expert for indigent defendants in serious criminal cases (15+ years), I've got to say that this is the best production I've seen of this case. Absolutely stunning portrayal of an extremely complex case, the people involved, and the pitfalls/imperfections of our criminal justice system. The first episode includes an extremely graphic and disturbing look at the murders in Beverly Hills of Jose and Kitty Menendez (played by Javier Bardem and Chloie Sevingy) by their sons, Lyle and Erik. After the docudrama provides the who, what, when, and how of this terrible crime, it leads the audience to examine the overwhelmingly disturbing and conflicting question of WHY two children would slaughter their parents.

The defense would paint a picture of grossly abusive parents, who'd tortured these "children" sexually, emotionally, and mentally for years, alleging that the accused siblings only killed as an act of "imperfect self-defense", while the prosecutors argued the murders were motivated by greed. I'm not going to provide spoilers, but as you follow the evidence and listen/watch the players involved, it's easy to see how the public (including jurors) could be convinced that the victims were the victimizers, and buy into the story described by the brothers. It's disgusting and horrific, but is it true? The fine portrayals of those playing defense attorney Jill Abramson and writer/victims' advocate Dominic Dunne are spot on. The stories of the psychologist and his patient/side chick/police informant (that broke the case) are hilarious indictments of the Beverly Hills swamp where the story plays out.

Details matter and the path this docudrama leads it's followers on is anything but clear. It's a tough watch but ultimately as satisfying as a drama as it is as an educational journey. Watch this series with a healthy dose of skepticism and you'll be rewarded after viewing the last episode. Stick with this until the end. It's work of art, but the subject of the painting needs to be recognized for what it is: Nuanced, but a well crafted critique of our criminal justice system, warts and all.


https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1.../?ref_=hm_top_tt_i_3

quote:

Originally posted by pulicords:
I binge watched this new Netflix series earlier in the week. As a retired LEO (30+ years experience) and a investigative/subject matter expert for indigent defendants in serious criminal cases (15+ years), I've got to say that this is the best production I've seen of this case. Absolutely stunning portrayal of an extremely complex case, the people involved, and the pitfalls/imperfections of our criminal justice system.

Details matter and the path this docudrama leads it's followers on is anything but clear. It's a tough watch but ultimately as satisfying as a drama as it is as an educational journey. Watch this series with a healthy dose of skepticism and you'll be rewarded after viewing the last episode. Stick with this until the end. It's work of art, but the subject of the painting needs to be recognized for what it is: Nuanced, but a well crafted critique of our criminal justice system, warts and all.

Thank you for the recommendation.

My experience isn't as extensive as yours, but I'm well aware of the pitfalls and imperfections of our system from the inside.

I was holding off to hear some reviews, based on real life experience, as to how well it was done. I'll add this to my list on Netflicks