"Murder on Middle Beach" (2020 release; 4 episodes of about 55 min. each) is a TV documentary mini-series regarding the murder of Barbara Hamburg. As Episode 1 "Mom's Dead" opens, it is "March 3, 2010", and the local TV reporter informs the viewers that a body was found on Middle Beach Rd., in Madison, CT. The body is of a 48 yr. old woman, Barbara Hamburg. We briefly hear of Barbara's mother, sister, and her son Madison (who wrote, produced and directed this mini-series). We then go to "2013 Three Years After the Murder" and Madison is talking to his dad (Barbara's ex-husband), who confesses that "She had a life I had no idea she had"... At this point we are 10 min. into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: Madison Hamburg makes his feature length debut with this very personal look back to his mom's life and times, and yes, murder. While Episode 1 contains the usual "happy" memories of the couple's early years including the birth of their 2 children, it becomes also clear that several things just feel off (check the ex-husband's 2013 comment I mentioned, for starters). The opening episode is not only surprisingly plot-heavy almost from the get-go, but it also feels very dark, as if a lot more bad stuff is going to be revealed to us the viewers. Of course I'm not going to spoil anything, just watch! This feels like a labor of love from the son, who has spent years (literally) on this project. I must say that this opening episode drew me in almost immediately, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to play out in the remaining three episodes. Must-see true crime TV!
"Murder on Middle Beach" premiered this weekend on HBO and Episode 1 is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. New episodes air Sunday evenings at 10 pm Eastern. If you are a fan of true crime or simply love a documentary well made, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
