Murder on Middle Beach

I'm sitting here at a loss trying to put into words how much this documentary series has impacted me. I don't know that I can adequately describe it. I have never seen anything like this series. I had to write a review to let others know to watch this masterful piece of work. There is such an emotional payoff but it will wreck you at the same time. At this point, I will watch anything that Madison Hamburg makes in the future. He is so gifted and talented and I'm astounded at how intimately he conveyed his pain and loss and brought the viewers into his family. The level of vulnerability and courage that took just astounded me. I can't wait to see what he does next.

"Murder on Middle Beach" (2020 release; 4 episodes of about 55 min. each) is a TV documentary mini-series regarding the murder of Barbara Hamburg. As Episode 1 "Mom's Dead" opens, it is "March 3, 2010", and the local TV reporter informs the viewers that a body was found on Middle Beach Rd., in Madison, CT. The body is of a 48 yr. old woman, Barbara Hamburg. We briefly hear of Barbara's mother, sister, and her son Madison (who wrote, produced and directed this mini-series). We then go to "2013 Three Years After the Murder" and Madison is talking to his dad (Barbara's ex-husband), who confesses that "She had a life I had no idea she had"... At this point we are 10 min. into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: Madison Hamburg makes his feature length debut with this very personal look back to his mom's life and times, and yes, murder. While Episode 1 contains the usual "happy" memories of the couple's early years including the birth of their 2 children, it becomes also clear that several things just feel off (check the ex-husband's 2013 comment I mentioned, for starters). The opening episode is not only surprisingly plot-heavy almost from the get-go, but it also feels very dark, as if a lot more bad stuff is going to be revealed to us the viewers. Of course I'm not going to spoil anything, just watch! This feels like a labor of love from the son, who has spent years (literally) on this project. I must say that this opening episode drew me in almost immediately, and I can't wait to see how it's all going to play out in the remaining three episodes. Must-see true crime TV!

"Murder on Middle Beach" premiered this weekend on HBO and Episode 1 is now available on HBO On Demand and other streaming services. New episodes air Sunday evenings at 10 pm Eastern. If you are a fan of true crime or simply love a documentary well made, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

This is not really a review of Murder on Middle Beach only to say it is worth a watch. I am more concerned with the breed of reviewer that has emerged on IMDB and feels the need to tell people to ignore others opinions and he or she has the correct review, ala catherinepageellwood but certainly not only that member. The idea of a review is to get that persons take on the movie/series. If one does not agree with the reviewer then write your own review and let others decide for themselves. Trashing other people's reviews is just plain ignorant and a bit egotistical to say the least plus they can be a bit suspect.. I know there are sometimes when a review beggars belief and one thinks that maybe the reviewer was involved in the project but for the most part I think the vast majority of reviewers are honest people giving their honest opinion, that it differs from your experience makes it no less valid than the opinion of others. Have some Respect.

My mother was the victim of a homicide. I think this is one of the most authentic and unique looks at the aftermath of murder that I've ever witnessed. Bravo.

You must appreciate this young man's efforts to document his moms murder and yes, it's an academic documentary at first. Keep watching! Once HBO gets hold of this, the production moves to another level of intrigue and mystery. Sure hope the murder gets solved.

The courage and utter perseverance for Madison to pursue his mother's murder is beyond heroic. My only light at the end of this dark tunnel is that Madison Hamburg is going to make it. Well done