Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders

Watch Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders

  • 2017
  • 1 Season

Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders is a gripping docudrama series that was released by NBC in September 2017. This eight-part series is based on one of the most notorious and controversial murder trials in American history – the Menendez brothers' trial. The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, were convicted of murdering their wealthy parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. This show seeks to shed new light on the Menendez brothers' lives, their motivations, and their crimes.

The series takes viewers on a journey of the murder trial proceedings, exploring the complex dynamics of the Menendez family and the relationships between the characters involved. The show opens with the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez and the initial investigation into their deaths. The show then transitions into the trial proceedings, revealing the extensive legal battle that was fought to secure justice for the victims.

The lead characters in the show include Leslie Abramson, a defense attorney who is renowned for representing high-profile clients, including Phil Spector and Murray Lerner, and Edie Falco, who plays the character of defense attorney Leslie Abramson. Abramson becomes Lyle and Erik's attorney, working tirelessly to defend her clients, who claim to have killed their parents in self-defense.

The prosecution team comprises LAPD Detective Les Zoeller, played by Sam Jaeger, and Deputy District Attorney Pam Bozanich, played by Elizabeth Reaser. These two characters work together to build a strong case against the Menendez brothers, using evidence meticulously gathered during the investigation.

The show also delves into the lives of the Menendez family and the factors that may have led to the murders. The Menendez brothers are shown to come from a dysfunctional family, where José, their father, was a corrupt businessman who was despised by his family members. Kitty, their mother, is portrayed as a troubled woman who struggled with a history of abuse and neglect from her husband.

As the trial unfolds, viewers witness the revelations of the shocking abuse the brothers claim to have experienced throughout their childhood. Through flashbacks, the series shows the brothers' upbringing and the numerous abuses they suffer from their parents, including physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. The show challenges the viewers to decide if the Menendez brothers should be held accountable for their actions or if their tragic upbringing justifies their crimes.

Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders is a harrowing tale that takes a close look at the tragic story of the Menendez family. The show paints a vivid picture of the family's tortured lives and the legal proceedings that took place following the murders. Through its engaging narrative, the series showcases the complexities of the American criminal justice system and the way wealthy and famous people often receive preferential treatment.

The show's focus on the real-life events and the history that surrounded the Menendez trials makes this narrative all the more engrossing. Although the series attempts to be objective, it is heavily biased towards the defense team's arguments at times. However, the show does an excellent job of exploring the nuances of the case, and the series provides ample commentary from legal experts and witnesses who lent their perspectives to the trial proceedings.

Overall, Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders is a series that is sure to captivate viewers' minds and emotions. The show's cast delivers excellent performances, with Edie Falco in particular giving a standout portrayal of Leslie Abramson. The show's engaging narrative, which blends fact and fiction, provides a fresh take on the Menendez brothers' infamous story and will keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on September 26, 2017.

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Seasons
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
November 14, 2017
After the first trial ends with a hung jury and the District Attorney refuses to offer the defense a deal, a second trial gets underway with Barry Levin joining the defense team. Political collusion between the District Attorney's office and Judge Weisberg reaches an apex as Garcetti fights to repair the office's reputation following a string of high-visibility losses. When Judge Weisberg disallows Lyle and Erik's family members to testify, it's up to Erik to once again recount the stories of abuse before the jury determines a verdict. As the trial comes to a close, Leslie learns revealing information about Jose and Kitty's childhoods.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
November 7, 2017
With Lyle and Erik's juries both struggling to reach a unanimous decision, the possibility of a mistrial leaves Leslie hopeful for the opportunity to work out a deal with the District Attorney's office. Meanwhile, District Attorney Gil Garcetti takes action to counteract the declining public perception of the justice system. Judge Weisberg's performance in the trial comes under intense media scrutiny given his record of hung juries and controversial verdicts. With the trial having garnered national attention, Lyle uses Norma as a switchboard to connect him with female supporters.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
October 31, 2017
The jury hears from Lyle and Erik for the first time when the brothers testify in court, recounting in detail the years of sexual abuse that led them to fear for their lives. Leslie makes a surprising move after Judge Weisberg approves the prosecution's request to unseal the tape of the brothers' confession to Dr. Oziel. After closing arguments are made, the jury is left to determine a verdict. Meanwhile, Leslie finds a renewed purpose after she and her husband welcome their adopted son into their home.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
October 24, 2017
Before the trial begins, Judge Stan Weisberg grants a petition allowing the court proceedings to be broadcast on television, bringing a heightened level of public scrutiny to the case as the prosecution and defense present their arguments. When the prosecution's star witness, Dr. Oziel, takes the stand, his questionable ethics and motives threaten to destroy his credibility. Meanwhile, the defense faces an uphill battle in getting Judge Weisberg to understand the relevance of Lyle and Erik's complicated upbringing. With the trial reaching a pivotal juncture, Leslie struggles with personal demons while she and her husband also move forward in the adoption process.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
October 17, 2017
Erik and Lyle begin to reveal details of the psychological and sexual abuse they suffered.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
October 10, 2017
Lyle and Erik are in custody for suspicion of murder; defense attorney Abramson tries to understand.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
October 3, 2017
Detectives interview the brothers' friends and acquaintances; Erik makes a shocking confession.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
September 26, 2017
All eyes are on Lyle and Erik Menendez when their parents are brutally murdered.
Description
Where to Watch Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders
Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders is available for streaming on the NBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders on demand at Peacock Premium, Amazon, Vudu and Google Play.
  • Premiere Date
    September 26, 2017