PrimeWire

What makes this Documentary/Biography different from all the other pieces on Manson is the fact that it does not make him a sort of “criminal superstar”, like so many of these Documentaries do. The first episode seemed to be a mishmash of typical “Manson” remembrances, and somewhat followed the tone that sensationalised the murders in broad strokes. However the tone of this episode is completely different. It’s focus is on the people around Manson (including his mother, grandmother, uncle, etc. before his birth), the times they lived in, the institutions, factual records/evidence, prison time, as well as methods he learned and used to essentially manipulate and “win friends and influence people” — and to keep others at bay. Somewhat “dry” at times, it is none-the-less incredibly unique and interesting. I would definitely call this a Biography, and a thorough one at that. It is very well presented and narrated in part by Manson biographer Jeff Guinn, and people who actually grew up with Manson as they are now. 4/5