S02.E07: Showtime

[Snazzy Daisy]

Quote

Lyle and Erik struggle to shape their defense before the trial.

Then Menendez mania hits — from cheering crowds to fan mail and courtroom TV cameras.

Air Date: Sep 19, 2024

 

 

Edited September 19 by Snazzy Daisy

[Snazzy Daisy]

This episode offers a different perspective than what we see in E04 and E05. It also shows how easy for the brothers to fabricate stories to fit their narrative — the lies and embellished information.

Lyle tries to feed their defense with a bunch of stories, coerce some friends and relatives to lie for them. Thankfully, their lawyers put an end to this BS.

Leslie isn’t happy with the brothers showing lack of remorse. During a prepping session, it feels like an act when Lyle suddenly changes his whole demeanor trying to look remorseful — a sobering look with tears running down his cheeks.

Lyle is so convincing on the stand. Kudos to Nicholas Chavez for his compelling performance. 👏🏻

Lyle bragging about the whole things to Norma — is he lying about the abuse or just flexing to her? His ability to turn his “performance” off and on is a red flag.

The scene where Dominick Dunne gossiping about recycled defense strategy and the idea of transference over dinner with friends feels draggy. His bias is understandable because he saw first hand how John Sweeney being portrayed as a sympathetic murderer in Dominique’s case.

Quote

“That’s why I never believe a word that comes out of a defense attorney’s mouth. They’ll lie, cheat, steal, anything to win.”

Sounds familiar??!

 

[sashabear21]

I don't always like Ryan Murphy shows for the same reason I don't always like Taylor Sheridan shows, they both decide on a point they want to make even if it makes absolutely no damn sense in the overall narrative and they often don't make that point well. Murphy also likes to use shock value when restraint would have been the better option.  There was absolutely no need to show the horrible scene of Dominique Dunne's last moments in hospital.  It wasn't a commentary on domestic violence, it didn't give more depth to Dominick Dunne's storyline as they'd already shown why he's an advocate for victim's rights which would have explained it to anyone not familiar with the story, it feels like it was put in for a jump scare and that's just beyond grotesque.    This whole Rashomon narrative he's trying to tell the story with just isn't working. It's giving award worthy performances by the actors, but damn if I don't have whiplash with all the abrupt personality changes.  

[sugarbaker design]

On 10/1/2024 at 1:05 PM, sashabear21 said:

It wasn't a commentary on domestic violence, it didn't give more depth to Dominick Dunne's storyline as they'd already shown why he's an advocate for victim's rights which would have explained it to anyone not familiar with the story,

It did illustrate the brutality of the crime.  I think that's what they were going for.