Did anyone catch this documenatry series on Sundance? If not, it's out on dvd this Tuesday, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
The jist: In Durham, NC, novelist Michael Peterson is accused of murdering his wife by beating her to death. He says she fell down the stairs. The case goes to trial and everything goes bananas. Skeletons (figurative and literal!) dragged out of the closet, family strife, media mayhem-- and all caught first hand by the film crew, who was given total access to the family and the trial (though not so much by the prosecution, as time went on, they became less cooperative).
This is no talking head/recreation crime show like 48 Hours or some crap. You're hanging out, observing everything as it goes down, a totally compelling look at how the legal system works, and how it affects everyone involved. It really is the ultimate reality show, only, you know, something important is at stake.
I will not dare say the result of the trial, or give any spoilers. If you've never heard of this case, I guarantee you'll be totally absorbed for the 6+ hours (I know that sounds long, but they could have done more). GO SEE IT NOW.
P.S. Definitely going to have to watch the director's previous work, the Oscar-winning doc 'Murder on a Sunday Mornining.'
