Must admit I can't think of any 6 part documentaries which focused on one crime.
There have been one episode documentaries on Bamber. He made an official complaint about 'Killing Mum & Dad' which was rejected. 'Crimes that shook Britain' mentioned things in Bamber's favour such as the -trick of the light'.
There is a current documentary on OJ Simpson which is more than one episode. However that has so far spent two episodes on his life as a footballer, actor & very famous American star. Together with his influence on American black culture in the 70's & 80's.
Jackie's thread on the Blue forum shows she wants all 6 episodes to just focus on the crime and things that support her view that Bamber is innocent.
I can't see any television channels being gullible & desparate enough to commission such a long and biased documentary. The case is not big enough and there is much more counter evidence everyone knows or can find out about which would negate everything screened.
Are we talking 1 hour slots, 30 mins or something else?
I can think of lots to fill 6 x 1 hour slots. Where does 6 come from anyway?
- Biographical info about the various players including 2/3 generations back. To incl the birth families of JB and SC. Social history to put into context. Even if no legal constraints this would need to be dealt with sensitively as imo it isn't right to give out identifying info about those under discussion. Eg JM lives here, works there etc, etc.
- Policing during the period under question eg just before PACE. Where forensic science was then eg pre DNA and the fact blood pattern analysis wasn't used etc.
- The defence and prosecution case for and against JB. Reminding viewers of the state of telephony in 1985 ie calls could not be traced.
- Allowing a bunch of female novices with long polished fingernails to copy an experienced firearms handler and see how many attempts it takes until they can master loading the mag, chambering a round and pulling the trigger. This could incl shooting at targets at a similar distance to the victims. Also to cover tests on hands from handling bullets.
- 3d animated reconstructions in model form to test various theories eg NB shot in bedroom, on stairs etc
- Input from ballistics, bloodstain analyst and pathologist to cover SC's found state ie explanations re lack of GSR, blood on her person/nightie. Opinions from various other experts eg psychiatrist and psychologist.
- The machinations of the judicial system: preparing for trial, trial process at court, juries, prison life as a Cat A prisoner, CCRC, appeal hearings.
I don't think it will ever happen though:
- Cost.
- Is there enough interest in such a programme to cover costs and make a profit?
- I think most in mainstream media probably see JB as guilty unless they are presented with some compelling new evidence. As it stands why would any broadcaster push the boat out for JB unless they thought he was the victim of a MoJ?
Of course if JB's conviction is quashed the world and his dog will want to produce all manner of media: tv progs, films, books. It could then run and run with ad agencies wanting a slice of the action
if his conviction is overturned on very strong grounds. All the books and docu/dramas to date are exceptionally poor imo. CAL is probably the best but its rooted in the dark ages and looks backwards.
