The bias in the rhetoric of this series is apparent, however the leading nature of presented evidence swings enormously between the first three episodes and the final one.
Episodes one to three, whilst not shying away from the atrocity that is the murder, outweigh negative factors with the stories of his upbringing, career, and achievements. It feels very pro-Pistorius, and almost as if the purpose of the series is to claim innocence. But damning evidence is not hidden either, so there can be claims of slight balance. However, the long segments covering the death of his mother, which is heavily implied to have psychologically built up the potential for murder, and his overcoming issues with disability are front and foremost. Particularly ridiculous are the violins playing in the background during his statement in court. Even then, the majority of episodes investigate his athletics career, and were there not a gristly end to the tale, that itself could have made an excellent documentary. The journey is engrossing, for those interested in sport, it's particularly exciting.
Yet, the final episode, after doing everything possible to create sympathy with Pistorius, turns everything on its head. His appearances in court are ripped apart, his version of events and the overall consequences of actions are brought to the forefront. Any belief in his innocence is destroyed, almost. It's clearly a very complex case, and one that the world's experts would struggle with, but the portrayal of this tragedy in the series comes to a fairly definitive conclusion.
Whilst a lot of the interviewees provide valuable insight, such as family members from both parties, leading experts and people within that social network, there are far far too many journalists involved. They may have studied the case extensively, but there is still no need for so many journalists to dictate the story, they are not the experts, this coverage is beneficial to them. That is a very clear negative of the series. But, in a way that does reflect the nature of South Africa in this case. Take the specifics from any criminal case away, and you will see how abbhorent it is that this case was displayed in the media. 24/7 coverage and cameras constantly stuck in the bereaved's face is disgraceful, and the politics of the situation cannot be removed from the overall context.
It's thorough, it's in-depth, and it includes many important people from the trials. There doesn't feel like there was anything else that could have been fit into the series. Brace yourselves for tiny violins in the opening episodes, and you are able to become engrossed in this trial.
