I quite enjoy David Duchovny despite the fact that I was never and X-files fan (not sure why.) Yet this series managed to completely sneak by me until recently it was recommended by a pal at the pub, which is where I get most of my ideas.
I have to say that at first, i was a little apprehensive to binge this show but I gave it some time and so far at least (4 episodes in) I am glad that I did.
As the pic suggests, this show is about Charles Manson and to me, this is always an interesting subject matter. While they are very up-front about the fact that the film is fictional for the most part, it was always intriguing to me that this one person was able to get so many people enamored with him despite the fact that he wasn't particularly good-looking or talented. He simply had a gift of the gab and of course knew how to use drugs to control people. At least that is the tale and if this series has even an ounce of truth to it, it is interesting to see their portrayal of the man.
Apparently, Manson was able to maintain a commune of sorts filled with men and women who saw him as their leader and many of them would do almost anything for the guy. We all know how this story ended of course, and perhaps that is why the series was cancelled after 2 seasons. There is an endgame here and we all know what that is. Once that event takes place, there isn't anything else to write about.... right?
I do enjoy the fact that the show focuses on the charisma and genius of Manson, not because I think he was a great person (that would be ridiculous) but because, much like other villains throughout time, it is interesting to see how someone is so capable of convincing others to practically worship him as a deity. His "minions" never question him and he keeps a harem of women who are all there on their own accord. I would imagine that he must have just been incredibly charming.
The main focus of the film isn't Manson though - it is Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny) who is a fictional LAPD detective who wasn't charged with anything Manson related. He was charged with finding a missing teenage girl who happens to be involved with Manson. Although I haven't gotten to that point yet, I would imagine that the show stops being about the girl later.
I am not one to enjoy crime dramas a great deal. There is something about them that simply doesn't appeal to me (I couldn't get into The Wire and everyone insists that is one of the best shows ever made) but this one drew me in because well, i don't know why... it probably has to do with the Manson legend.
Overall, i can't really say that this is binge-worthy but that has a lot to do with the fact that it was made for "regular" TV and each episode therefore must be an hour long. So far the show seems to have very little in the way of filler though, and that always impresses me. I'm happy I started watching this and so far at least, can (and have done so already) recommend it to others who are digging for a new series to watch.