Killing Fields

Discovery Channel's 2016 production "Killing Fields" redefines the boundaries of true crime television by bridging the gap between documentary and crime drama genres. Transporting viewers into authentic crime scenes, the series offers a unique, gripping, and immersive viewing experience.

Set in the backdrop of rural Louisiana, the series involves an unsolved crime that took place in the region's isolated swamplands. Initially, the murder case of a Louisiana State University graduate student, Eugenie Boisfontaine, intrigues the local law enforcement. The case, being two-decades old, is as mysterious as the eerie bayou it occurred in, haunting the police force, and proving to be a real-life horror story for the town's inhabitants.

The show stands out amidst other true crime productions in its ability to convey a chilling sense of reality through the use of innovative filming techniques. Rather than simply recounting the crime or drawing on archival footage, it takes the viewers through real investigations as they unfold. This live-action approach to crime investigation gives the series a reality television feel.

"Killing Fields" showcases the relentlessness of Detective Rodie Sanchez, who comes out of retirement and teams up with Detective Aubrey St. Angelo to solve the cold case. Sanchez, who initially handled the case, couldn't solve it and treated it as a personal failure. His determination to solve the case 20 years after the original investigation is admirable, displaying a deep sense of duty and a formidable drive for justice.

This cat-and-mouse chase spans over multiple episodes, where the detectives extensively revisit several physical locations associated with the crime, peruse in-depth evidence, explore potential leads, and conduct meticulous interrogations. The series delves deep into the investigative process, demonstrating how new technology intersects with good old-fashioned detective work to shed light on the murder.

The procedural angle is mixed with an abundance of human stories and emotions, making it compelling storytelling. As the detectives strive to uncover the truth, we get glimpses into their struggles. Sanchez's fixation with the case, even after two decades, is both heartbreaking and inspiring, showing the often unseen human side of law enforcement.

Apart from the gripping human story, the atmospheric setting of the crime adds another layer of suspense and thrill to "Killing Fields". The remote bayous of Louisiana play a crucial role in dictating the mood of the series: the eerie bogs, mysterious swamp waters, and desolate fields contribute to an aura of suspense and a perpetual sense of impending danger.

To make things even more interesting, the series hints that this singular crime might actually be part of a larger problem. A serial killer might be at large, with multiple cases across the parish possibly connected. This angle of the narrative leaves room for a multitude of possibilities that could lead to unexpected twists and turns in the ongoing investigations. It presents a stark reality of the difficulties faced by law enforcement when identifying and proving a pattern of crimes spanning years or even decades.

The focus on a single case rather than multiple crimes makes the show more intense compared to other crime dramas. The audience gets a comprehensive view of the functioning of law enforcement, the patience and time taken to solve complicated crimes, and the challenges faced in re-opening cold cases.

On a broader level, "Killing Fields" opens conversations about the effectiveness of law enforcement systems, communities' trust in the police apparatus, and the psychological toll unsolved cases take on the victims' families and the detectives involved.

"Killing Fields" is more than just another crime drama; it's an exploration of the living, breathing world of crime investigation. The show's narrative journey, along with its unique format and unscripted content, brings a fresh perspective to the true crime genre. "Killing Fields" highlights the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice, making it a testament to the harsh realities faced by detectives in their tireless quest for truth. Captivating and pensive, it serves as an engaging selection for any true crime enthusiast.