Lies, Crimes, & Video

Lies, Crimes, & Video is an engrossing truth and crime series which ran on HLN from 2019 to 2021. The show dives deep into the dark world of crimes, providing viewers with a detailed insight into the intricate details of notable criminal cases and how they were solved, sometimes using the most groundbreaking and unforeseen evidence.

The show's title, Lies, Crimes, & Video, summarizes its content succinctly. Every episode focuses on a different high-profile criminal case, with the crimes encompassing a broad spectrum ranging from kidnappings and murders to sophisticated white-collar crime. Crimes, however, are just the tip of the iceberg. Each case's complexity resides in the intricate web of lies told by the perpetrators and the process of unravelling them which forms the central narrative of each episode.

Lies, Crimes, & Video stands out due to its particular emphasis on the role of video footage in the discovery of truth about these criminal cases. In this 21st century digital era, where closed-circuit television cameras, dash cams, smartphones, body cams and more, remain omnipresent, it's hard for criminals to operate unseen. By exploiting this wealth of surveillance resources, crime investigators sometimes encounter unexpected breakthroughs, and this forms a significant part of the show's thematic core.

Each episode focuses on the unraveling of these evidence trails, underpinned by the key narrative arcs of lies and deceit. This trek back from lies to truth is navigated by presenting interviews of personnel directly involved in the case. Be it detectives, prosecutors, victims, witnesses or sometimes even perpetrators, their intimate personal narratives and interviews that build up the plot, add a layer of authenticity and comprehensive understanding for the viewers.

Complemented with dramatic reenactments, the show ensures each case throws the viewer onto the frontlines of the investigation. The viewers engage with the cases not merely as mute observers, but as active participants attempting to fit the puzzle pieces together from the barrage of clues. Footage of actual crime scenes, police interrogations, and courtrooms further adds a layer of reality to the narrative.

More than just a crime series, Lies, Crimes, & Video strikes a perfect balance between suspense, drama, and real life. It offers a rewarding watch for anyone with a keen interest in criminal psychology, law enforcement, or anyone who enjoys an intriguing, dramatic story that unfolds bit by bit with each twist and turn. The show seeks to highlight the complex and sometimes messy process of achieving justice, not just revealing the heinous crimes committed, but illustrating the lengths that investigators and prosecutors must go to untangle the web of lies that these crimes represent.

The use of the video in the series does more than just aid the storytelling; it becomes an additional character within each episode. The video footage serves multiple purposes; it brings to light the damning pieces of evidence that eventually lead to the conviction of the criminals, it adds the shock value for the viewers and more importantly, it highlights the important role video surveillance has come to play in modern crime solving.

The host, Pat LaLama, who is a veteran television journalist and legal analyst, provides insightful commentary and context to each case. Her knowledge and experience, layered with her captivating storytelling, make navigating through each episode a gripping experience for the viewers.

Lies, Crimes, & Video is not a light watch. It takes its viewers on a journey inside some of the most shocking and convoluted criminal cases. While some parts may be difficult to watch, the show's thrilling narrative, expert analysis, and the compelling quest for truth and justice make it an addition to the must-watch list for all true crime documentary enthusiasts. It leaves audiences ruminating on not just the heinous depths that humanity can plunge into but also the relentless pursuit for truth and justice, and the enduring human quest for righteousness. It's a raw, often chilling, yet firmly enlightening portrayal of the perseverance of law enforcement agencies in their battle against crime.