Untold

The first episode is good and all but the second episode really hit home. It makes me feel so bad for Manti, and frustrated at the people that destroyed Manti's life. And it makes me feel amazing that Manti found hope in his dire place.

P. S. I don't want to talk about Ronai.

Why did they put so much focus on the actual catfisher? Nobody, wants to hear about that evil human being. Giving said person a spotlight is counterproductive!

I've never watched an NFL game (I watch real football!) nor heard of Manti T'eo before. That meant I could watch this without knowing the outcome first.

It was enjoyable, but it was also similar to an episode of Catfish. What made this for me was Manti himself. What a lovely chap. 7/10 for the programme. 10/10 for Manti.

Here's another entry in the Untold series that discusses a sporting controversy that forever changed the lives of Manti Te'o, Ronaiah 'Naya' Tuiasosopo, and their respective families. The private lives of sportspersons have always been in the limelight of the media. And back in 2013, the media did play a key role in blowing this story out of the water, because it was scoop and boy, do people love scoop! Netflix decided to walk back upon this story and present a more informed, well-rounded version of it, focusing on the two key folks mentioned.

It lets both Manti and Naya breathe easy, and take into consideration that they were young, naive, and vulnerable when it all played out. Of course, I'd have liked more accountability on Naya's part than merely admitting to her offense, but it also presents a more worldly and empathetic view. Manti, on the other hand, feels more relatable and unworried at this point, when he narrates his side of the story. The latter episode in this two-part documentary carries all the emotional impact, and it's definitely worth a viewing!

This is yet another example of how a catfish has no real repercussions for their actions. I feel so much empathy for Manti Te'O. It's almost impossible to understand what it's like to be catfished and it's always those of who have been there that end up with all the repercussions. That catfish just went on with life but cost Manti so much.