Exhibit A

Exhibit A is a true crime documentary series that premiered in 2019 on the popular streaming platform, Netflix. Focusing on the intricacies and sometimes dubious nature of forensic science, the show dives deep into a compelling world of evidence, courtroom dramas, and high stakes justice. As befits the world's obsession with true crime, Exhibit A satisfies viewers' thirst for mystery, drama, and the meticulous process of unearthing the truth, all the while casting a critical eye on the judicial system.

The series presents a unique view on criminal justice, specifically anchored around the idea of evidentiary science. The show is comprised of four episodes, each covering a different case, and running approximately an hour in duration. They zero in on how advanced technology and forensic methodologies, such as video forensics, blood spatter analysis, cadaver dogs, and touch DNA, can sometimes be misinterpreted or even manipulated, leading to potentially wrongful convictions.

Unlike the hype that surrounds forensic science in popular crime dramas, Exhibit A exposes the potentially fatal flaws, displaying how our justice system can tragically err. It's a show that, at its core, questions the infallibility of science and technology in a world of human errors and biases, striking a chord with those who are interested or involved in law, crime, and justice.

The documentary series was created by Kelly Loudenberg, who doesn't shy from presenting viewers with the harsh realities and moral dilemmas that professionals tackling forensic evidence have to face. The stories of the defendants are skillfully interwoven with firsthand accounts from family members, defendant’s counsel, prosecution, scientists, experts, and law enforcement. The 360-degree perspective is aimed at making viewers ponder over whether the verdict was indeed just.

Episode one of Exhibit A revolves around video forensics. It presents the story of a man convicted on the basis of a grainy convenience store surveillance video, casting doubts on the reliability of video surveillance as unfailing proof. The second episode explores the world of blood spatter evidence, a type of forensic science popularized by high-rated crime shows. However, when applied in real-life scenarios, its legitimacy and reliability becomes a bone of contention amidst experts in the field.

The third outing of the series extensively explores the world of cadaver dogs, their training, and their reliability as credible witnesses in a court of law. Finally, the fourth episode delves into the concept of touch DNA, a technology where mere microscopic skin cells left behind can lead to the identification of a suspect. However, the show questions the judicial validity of these microscopic traces and whether these touch DNA samples can lead to wrongful convictions.

Shot in a cinematic style uncharacteristic of most crime documentaries, Exhibit A is noteworthy for its visual storytelling, which elevates its narrative. It's also commendable for leveraging emotions when necessary without dipping into excessive sentimentality, all the while maintaining its focus on the main subject – the fallibility of forensic science.

Critics and viewers alike praised the series for its insightful exploration into the world of forensic science, the meticulous presentation of cases, and the empathetic portrayal of the victims of wrongful convictions. These victims, their stories of condemnation, and their relentless insistence on their innocence leaves the audience questioning the dependability of evidence, the effectiveness of our criminal justice system, and the price of unproven science.

In essence, Exhibit A is a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience that takes the audience behind the courtroom walls, presenting them with real-life tales of individuals fighting against the odds to prove their innocence. It pulls the curtain back on the failings of forensic science, reminding us all that justice is not always as clear-cut as it seems. It's not just a show about disputed evidence – it's a mirror held up to society, reflecting our complex relationship with science, technology, justice, and the truth. It entertains as much as it educates, leaving a lingering afterthought about the criminal justice system long after the screen has gone dim.