Although he’s technically director and showrunner of “The Jinx,” there’s no denying that Andrew Jarecki is now additionally considered one of its characters.
Whereas filming Season 1 of the smash hit HBO docuseries, Jarecki and collaborators Zac-Stuart Pointier and Marc Smerling stepped out from behind the digital camera when it turned clear that they stumbled upon essential proof incriminating documentary topic Robert Durst. They turned that proof into regulation enforcement and elicited Durst’s sizzling mic showstopper: “Killed all of them, after all.” Durst was indicted simply days earlier than the finale, creating an unprecedented cultural juggernaut.
Consequently, “The Jinx – Half Two” turns into a rare specimen, a bit of TV through which the present and its creators have grow to be a part of the unbelievable, sprawling narrative that begins and ends with Durst. Within the first episode — titled “Chapter 7,” suggesting that “The Jinx” is just not a lot two seasons as twelve installments — Jarecki gathers the household and buddies of Durst’s victims, together with key regulation enforcement who tried and didn’t convict Durst for the murders of his ex-wife Kathleen McCormack and finest buddy Susan Berman for… a “Jinx” viewing celebration. It’s ostensibly a part of Jarecki’s ongoing mission to middle these affected by the “buzzsaw” of Durst’s presence of their lives, however surreal doesn’t even start to cowl the feeling of watching Jim McCormack whereas he watches a documentary TV present about his vanished sister whereas being filmed by the director of that very present.
From there, the case picks again up, with the burden of justice positioned on the shoulders of lead prosecutor John Lewin, one of many primary interviewees of the season (the filmmakers additionally spoke with him for Season 1, however ended up not utilizing that footage). Because the case continues, viewers will bear witness to a parade of what Jarecki calls “burlesque” figures near the proceedings or crawling out of the woodwork of Durst’s historical past; the high-profile movie star lawyer, the uncooperative witness, the very best buddy who fashioned one-third of a tight-knit trio with Durst and Berman. Berman’s personal buddies and associates emerge to speak about their relationship and what info she may need possessed for him to execute her with out hesitation relatively than letting her testify. Most if not all of them are acquainted with “The Jinx,” in some circumstances moved to return ahead after watching it. “The Jinx – Half One” looms mesmerizingly over “The Jinx – Half Two,” usually cited in courtroom by witnesses or by Durst himself whereas he frets over cellphone calls from jail.
By way of manufacturing, the sequence seems the identical — generally to its detriment. Both there are extra dramatic reenactments than in “Half One,” or they really feel distinctly extra gauche this time round, even when they’re a real crime staple. Apart from that, the compilation of recorded dialog, video interviews, and courthouse footage meet the usual set for a dynamic, compelling docuseries. Greater than as soon as, Jarecki presents proof or revelations to topics whereas he’s filming them, one other echo of that ubiquitous Season 1 finale.
Jarecki and Pointier principally take a backseat after the primary of 4 episodes screened for critics, ceding the highlight to Durst’s victims — for even the dwelling interview topics, allies and challengers alike, have seen their lives inalterably impacted by that buzzsaw. Whether or not they have been lied to, manipulated, or so satisfied of his innocence that they maintained it till the tip, he influenced their habits, and “The Jinx – Half Two” captures the chilling sensation of realizing that you just or somebody you care about has been used, and the results have been finally catastrophic.
Grade: B+
“The Jinx – Half Two” premieres April 21 on HBO, with new episodes weekly.