TV in Review: Making A Murderer

Hello to the first of my new blog series "TV in Review", a series in which I will do a wee review of recent tv programmes/series that I've watched. I thought I would begin with a series that has taken the world by storm over the past few months.

Making A Murderer is a documentary series on Netflix which follows the life of convicted killer Steven Avery. Written and directed by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos over the course of 10 years, it shows the circumstances which led to Steven Avery of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin being convicted of the sexual assault of Penny Beerntsen for which he served 18 years in prison for. He was finally exonerated when new forensic technology allowed DNA to be tested thoroughly that proved Avery was not the culprit. Whilst suing the county for wrongful imprisonment, a young photographer Teresa Halbach is found dead and all the evidence seems to point to Steven Avery. The documentary follows Avery's trial (as well as the arrest and trial of his nephew, Brendan Dassey) and shows potential corruption in the Manitowoc County Sheriff Department.

I don't want to say anymore in case some of you reading this haven't seen it yet, but would like to. What I will say is that the story is completely gripping and the way the documentary has been filmed is fantastic. You will want to binge watch all 10 episodes one after the other to find out what happens next in the case and it really gets you thinking about the justice system. I can't count the number of times the series had me shouting at the TV or sitting in shock for 5 minutes, unable to speak. The series takes you on a rollercoaster ride in which one minute you will believe Steven and Brendan are completely innocent to the next minute thinking "Oh, actually they must be guilty". Admittedly, some of the later episodes can be a bit tough going watching as it is mostly footage of the court case so you have to pay attention to the evidence being presented and what is happening. I know some people aren't interested in watching something where they have to pay such close attention or risk missing vital information, so I will admit that it can be difficult to completely understand at times. 

However, I would encourage everyone to give this a watch - not only so you know what everyone is talking about on social media - but because it truly is fascinating. It will leave you feeling confused, shocked, upset, angry but also gripped, intrigued, excited and fascinated.

Go on! I dare you to give it a go - if you're one of the few who haven't already seen it that is...