Watch Frontline: My Brother's Bomber

Frontline: My Brother's Bomber is a thought-provoking and intense investigative documentary produced by PBS in which director Ken Dornstein embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery of his brother's death in the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing in 1988. The series is divided into two parts, each of which alludes to the complexity of the story, and is grounded in the realities of the horrific event in Lockerbie, Scotland.

The first part of the series struggles with the details of the bombing, the investigation, and the trial that followed, highlighting the extensive efforts of reporters, detectives, and prosecutors to uncover the truth surrounding the terrorist attack, and the pursuit for the insurgents, who carried it out. This part lays out the specifics of the case, including interviews with key officials, witnesses, and survivors, and sheds light on the chaotic aftermath of the attack.

The second part goes deeper into the puzzle of the story, exploring the emotional and moral dimensions of the catastrophic loss that Ken's family experienced. After waiting for years for justice and an explanation of the events, Ken takes on the intrepid task of investigating the case himself, uncovering new information about the circumstances of the crime, and confronting the possibility that those who were found guilty did not act alone. Like a good detective, the filmmaker gathers clues and reconstructs the crime scene, trying to understand why someone would commit such a heinous crime.

As Ken reveals more about what he learns and his personal involvement with the case, the story takes an unexpected turn. My Brother's Bomber focuses not just on the details of the crime but also on the personal story of a family left to deal with the loss of their loved one. The director's search for answers becomes a journey of self-discovery and healing, culminating in a poignant and gratifying finale that deals with issues of forgiveness and redemption.

What makes this investigation truly unique is the director's connection to the story. Ken's contribution as the narrator and protagonist of the story brings an unprecedented level of emotion and involvement to the documentary. As he searches through records, files, and testimonies, his own reflections and memories surface, giving an entirely new dimension to the story.

The documentary also explores the broader implications of the terrorist attack, situating it within the context of the Cold War, and the conflict between the US and Libya. The political and international dimensions of the story add depth and complexity to the narrative, highlighting the ways in which the bombing triggered a chain reaction of events that still resonate today.

Frontline: My Brother's Bomber is a gripping and heart-wrenching documentary that will leave you with more questions than answers. It's an excellent piece of investigative journalism that approaches an incredibly challenging topic with curiosity, empathy, and sensitivity. By balancing the demands of the case with the personal history of the family, the documentary highlights the human cost of terrorism and the power of storytelling, ultimately delivering a poignant message of hope and resilience.

Frontline: My Brother's Bomber is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on September 29, 2015.