Change Your Image
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQ4MTY5NzU2M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDc5NTgwMTI@._V1_SY100_SX100_.jpg)
belladonna_moth
Reviews
Mindhunter: Episode #1.7 (2017)
Character Development Done Right
While some of this episode contains content that I usually would just skip. The scene where Ford and Tench encounter Happy Anderson's part for the second time in the is an example of something I usually would just skip in a show. I am usually drawn to movies with more morbid themes and content but struggle with real criminals portrayed in shows other than strictly educational, I can see past that in this show to an extent. Often in shows or movies focusing on catching criminals the relationship of the characters fall apart. This is completely understandable as it seems to be the real outcome, for example Robert Graysmith. In this show, at least up to this episode, I was met with a beautiful change in the scene with Bill and Nancy. When faced with a situation that would be nearly impossible to navigate to anyone, especially a couple under so much stress already, a temporary resolution that I had forgotten was possible happened. Both Bill and Nancy were justifiably on edge and bubbled over. Bill Tench was starting to seem to the viewer as growing to be desensitized like Ford and this was something that Bill was really struggling with. His motives for this desensitization is subtly revealed through his choice of words when comparing the victims to his son and their babysitter in age. While he struggles to articulate his feelings the viewer and his wife are let in to how much he cares by almost trying to take the world on his shoulders to protect others at the cost of himself. When Bill runs out of steam yelling in frustration at his wife she just holds him. The simple unspoken act of holding him says so much and keeps the bridge connecting the couple from breaking. No one could fault them if they fell apart but seeing them just exist as they are without the struggle of life keeps the morbid show from feeling too nihilistic.
American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Focused on who is important
I binge a lot of true crime documentaries, and often find myself only learning the killer's names and about their lives. This is embarrassing for me to admit as they are not the people who matter, it is those who are affected by these people that matter. This documentary was brilliant and I wish there were more documentaries like it. The storytelling focused on who Shanann Watts, Bella Marie Watts, Celeste Watts, and Nico Watts were. I love learning about the lives of beautiful people like Shanann Watts who made such an impact despite leaving too soon. I left watching it remembering about their lives rather than their killer. When I think back on this film I picture them instead of the tragic end of them. With all of the interest that the general public has on morbid true crimes this documentary focus on what matters.