The Lizzie Borden Chronicles

Ok, I'm exaggerating slightly. It may not be one of the greatest shows ever made, but I ended up absolutely loving it and have rewatched the entire season at least once or twice a year since it came out.

I originally went into this show blind, expecting it to be a more serious, realistic interpretation about what may have happened following the real Lizzie Borden's acquittal. It wasn't. At all. At first I was annoyed, especially as a true crime buff who has long been interested in the actual Borden case. I'm pretty sure I even said to the person I was watching it with, "What the hell is this s***?!"

Then it started to grow on me.

There's nothing realistic about it. It's completely off the wall crazy, campy, bizarre and hilarious. And it's beautiful. A sideways glance or cutting Lizzie in line at the local hairdresser would be enough to get you offed. There's no safety in numbers either, she'll kill you all.

Christina Ricci is absolutely brilliant as a murderous psychopath who you also end up rooting for. She plays Lizzie as both ruthless and vulnerable. She treats murder and body disposal as you would stopping at the grocery store or gas station. Just a routine errand.

In order to fully appreciate this show you really have to go into it with the right mind frame. If you go into it expecting a serious attempt at historical fiction or a high brow psychological thriller, you'll probably be disappointed.

If you go into it for some slasher fun and essentially watching the better looking, classier version of Jason Voorhees add to her body count, you'll probably love it.

There isn't much about the plot that will make you be on the edge of your seat, but it's enough to keep you entertained for an hour. It's just about Lizzie and her sister trying to live their lives after Lizzie's murder trial, where she was found not guilty of killing her father and stepmother. All in all, this isn't the kind of show that you'll be making a priority to watch, but it's not a bad show to watch if you're just flipping through channels. Christina Ricci does a great job playing Lizzie Borden. Christina Ricci is a timeless actress. I don't think she's aged in 20 years. Clea DuVall, the actress who plays Lizzie's sister, Emma Borden, also does a great job.

You can barely hear the dialogue in this above the director screaming "LOOK AT WHAT I CAN DO! LOOK AT ME!!" Was he confused in thinking he was directing a rap video? He's about as subtle in attempting to get a mood across as if hitting the viewer with a sledgehammer. Maybe the story was weak and he was trying to keep anyone from following it. Every possible technique that directors use-again- subtly to draw you in is used without abandon. Used a few times you're drawn in- used every second in 1 hour and it's a mess. In fact, it's all I think about instead of the story. Usually this is seen in first time directors, but this guy has done some good work- what in the world happened? As for the story, "based on fact". I really doubt it. I'm no expert on Lizzy Borden but I've never read of any suspicious disappearances around her. She killed once, probably, but that's about it from what I've heard.

I just felt inclined to write a review after watching this mini series. I hope there is another season since I absolutely loved this TV show. The lighting and the portrayal of that era is very accurate with some beautiful apparel. After watching the first episode I was a little sketchy as to watch the rest of the show. However, after the second episode continued, the show only became better and better. The plots were more creative and the story was brilliant. Christina Ricci seems to play this role perfectly with her young innocent yet evil looks.

The soundtrack and filming are very refreshing and different to normal TV shows and therefore adds the spice. I was hooked instantly and watched the entire mini-series throughout the day. Unlike most TV shows, this show manages to make every episode full of twists and action. There isn't a single boring episode throughout. I loved it. I would recommend this TV show to anyone/everyone.

(But if you don't have the patience to sit through one episode. Then this show is not for you)

I'm total fan girl of Ricci's so in some ways I expected this series to be offbeat and irreverent. That being said the choice of rock music is initially baffling, confusing, and off-putting. However it kind of reminds me of Tarantino or what Luhrman did with Romeo and Juliet so it grew on me when looking at it thru that lens. It's completely weird and likely inaccurate but if you enjoy Thrillers, the chase that occurs between Borden and Siringo will keep you intrigued enough to finish this- what seems like- only season of this show.