Leavenworth

Watch Leavenworth

  • TV-MA
  • 2019
  • 1 Season
  • 6.5  (166)

Leavenworth is a thrilling true-crime documentary series from Starz, released in 2019, that delves into the controversial court-martial of a U.S. Army infantry officer named Clint Lorance. The series provides an in-depth investigation of the incident that led to Lorance's arrest and conviction, and explores the gray areas of military justice and order amid the heat of battle in war zones. The five-part series is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker and cinematographer Steven Soderbergh, and was created by award-winning executive producers Paul Pawlowski and David Check.

The story of Leavenworth begins on July 2, 2012, in Afghanistan, when Lorance, who was serving as a first lieutenant of an infantry platoon, gave an order to his soldiers to fire upon three Afghan men who were approaching their unit on a motorcycle. Lorance claimed that he suspected the three men were Taliban fighters, despite testimony from his soldiers that the men were not armed and posed no threat. Two of the men died in the attack, and Lorance was subsequently charged with a number of serious crimes, including murder and disobeying orders.

The first episode of Leavenworth sets the stage for the dramatic trial that would unfold over the next several months, and provides a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers serving in Afghanistan at the time. The show introduces viewers to Lorance through interviews with him, his family members, and other soldiers who served with him. The episode also features commentary from legal experts and military analysts, who offer insights into the complex legal issues surrounding the case. The episode ends with Lorance being convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

In the following episodes, Leavenworth delves into the various topics related to Lorance's court-martial, including the rules of engagement in the military, the role of soldiers in making split-second decisions during combat, and the difficulties of balancing justice with the need for military order and discipline. The show features interviews with key players in the case on both sides of the issue, including Lorance's defense team, military prosecutors, and the soldiers who served with Lorance at the time of the incident.

One of the central themes of Leavenworth is the question of whether Lorance's actions were justified under the circumstances. While his supporters argue that he acted out of a sense of duty to protect his troops and to uphold his oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, his detractors insist that he disregarded the rules of engagement and put innocent civilians in harm's way. The show presents both sides of this argument in a fair and even-handed way, allowing viewers to come to their own conclusions.

Another important aspect of Leavenworth is the human toll that the case takes on Lorance, his family, and the soldiers who served with him. The show offers a moving portrait of Lorance as a dedicated and patriotic soldier who feels unjustly accused of a crime he did not commit. It also sheds light on the impact that prolonged court proceedings can have on soldiers who are trying to cope with the trauma of war.

In terms of its production values, Leavenworth is a top-notch documentary series that features stunning visuals and expertly crafted storytelling. The show draws on a wide range of archival footage, including footage shot by soldiers on the ground in Afghanistan, and seamlessly combines this material with interviews and dramatized re-creations of key moments in the case. Director Soderbergh's signature style is evident throughout the series, which is shot with a cinematic eye and a talent for creating tension and suspense.

Overall, Leavenworth is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful true-crime series that offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of military justice and the human cost of war. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true-crime stories, military history, or social justice issues.

Leavenworth is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on October 20, 2019.

Leavenworth
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Seasons
Leavenworth Series Update
6. Leavenworth Series Update
March 8, 2020
Get updates on the case as Clint is pardoned from Leavenworth.
Chapter Five: The Fight Continues
5. Chapter Five: The Fight Continues
November 17, 2019
On the 50th anniversary of the My Lai Massacre, the comparisons are inescapable as the Army's chief appellate judge cites the Lorance case as an example of how they got it right.
Chapter Four: Perspectives
4. Chapter Four: Perspectives
November 10, 2019
A revelation about the day of the incident is discovered as Lorance's lawyer continues to build his client's case.
Chapter Three: Judgment
3. Chapter Three: Judgment
November 3, 2019
Lorance's current attorney, John Maher, revisits the court martial trial through an emotional meeting with the Lorance family.
Chapter Two: Casualties
2. Chapter Two: Casualties
October 27, 2019
Lorance took command of the platoon in Afghanistan in July 2012 and ordered fire on three local men riding a motorcycle, which killed two of them and outraged his platoon.
Chapter One: Soldiers
1. Chapter One: Soldiers
October 20, 2019
Former Army Lieutenant Clint Lorance is serving a 19-year sentence for murder and attempted murder in the U.S. Army's most notorious prison, known as Leavenworth.
Description
Where to Watch Leavenworth
Leavenworth is available for streaming on the Starz website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Leavenworth on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, Starz, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 20, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (166)