Making A Murderer Review: Who's The Real Victim Here?

Netflix's newest offering "Making A Murderer" is currently all the rage. It's being compared to "Serial" (a podcast) and "The Jinx" (from HBO). The documentary (which was some 10 years in the making) follows the case of Steven Avery. He is a Manitowoc Wisconsin man who was unjustly imprisoned for 18 years for sexual assault and attempted murder. DNA evidence later exonerated him. I won't give anything else away except to say that another heinous crime later occurred.

"Making A Murderer" is a thought provoking examination of the criminal justice system. How many other innocent people are in jail for crimes they didnt commit? How many are there because they are deemed "undesirables" (ie they didnt look or dress or act like their neighbors)? How many families lives have been ruined as a result? It's pretty scary stuff.

My issue with the show involves it's structure and the opinions presented. Full disclosure here. I previously knew about the case (and my view may be skewed). I also only watched four of the ten total episodes. To be honest, I was kinda bored. The script needs to be tightened. Many of the facts are covered numerous times. Lots of courtroom footage is used.

Even though "MoaM" is presented as a documentary, the filmmakers (Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos) obviously believe Avery is innocent. I would have liked a more balanced presentation of the material.

They also lose sight of the fact that there is more than one victim in this story. Yes, the false imprisonment of Avery for the first crime is inexcusable but what does the evidence point to in the second crime? ...And no, we dont want to hear any crazy convoluted conspiracy theories. Just the facts please. Three quick points:

1. DNA- In these post CSI/NCIS days, Americans seem to think DNA can be used to solve EVERY crime. That is simply not true.
2. Motive- A common argument for Avery's innocence is that there was no motive. Many crimes are those of opportunity. There is no pre-planned motive. They see a weak/isolated victim and go for it.
3. Stupid Criminals- Surely Avery would not be stupid enough to leave all that evidence at his house. It happens all the time people. Criminals aren't exactly known for being smart. If they were, they wouldnt have committed the crimes in the first place.

Grade: 3 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). "Making A Murderer" didn't "wow" me for the above mentioned reasons but lots of others love it. It is an eye opening examination of the flaws of the criminal justice system. I just have issues with it's handling of the second crime.