Should you watch 'The Case Against Adnan Syed' if you listened to 'Serial'?
The Case Against Adnan Syed takes a new look at the true crime that was the subject of hit podcast Serial's first season, with the four-part docuseries from Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg operating on two levels. (Watch the trailer below.)
Firstly, for those who didn’t listen to Serial, it provides a thorough background of the murder of 18-year-old schoolgirl Hae Min Lee, the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed and all the recent developments in the case.
Secondly, for people who are across the basics, it brings you up to date following the revelations and new evidence unearthed by Serial, and, of course, looks at things with a visual rather than a purely audio approach, including footage of Syed’s trial.
Some might wonder whether there is any need to revisit a case that has only recently been explored quite thoroughly, but with the decision just last month by Maryland’s Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court’s decision to grant Syed a new trial, and his family and supporters now considering other avenues, this is still very much an ongoing concern.
The Case Against Adnan Syed also comes at things slightly differently than Serial did, talking to many of Lee’s now adult friends and tracking down key prosecution witnesses. It also considers the perspective of Lee’s family, who remain convinced the killer has been found, and features an audio interview with Syed.
Although this week’s first episode might feel like it isn’t covering much new ground, subsequent episodes make the time investment well worth it. (Starts Sun., Apr. 7 at 8.30pm; SBS) 4.5 stars
