The Innocent Man

The Innocent Man
Genre: True Crime
Available on Netflix
5/5 Stars

The Innocent Man, based on a work of non-fiction by John Grisham, is an absolutely gripping docu-series available on Netflix. It is incredibly well-done with loads of personal interviews, great background research, fabulous cinematography, all wrapped up in a nice true-crime-bow.

The series is all about two crimes committed in the 1980s in the small town of Ada, Oklahoma (population under 17,000 people.) Two horrific crimes were committed in a short few years – both murder. One of the crimes resulted in the convictions of two innocent men (both overturned after being incarcerated for 12 years due to DNA evidence.) The other crime resulted in another two men being convicted, both of whom are still incarcerated after 35 years. It’s pretty obvious that both of these men are also innocent.

You will see, as you watch the series, a crazy set of circumstances surrounding the events and crimes. Innocent men on death row, corruption at the highest levels, mistaken identities, false confessions, and more. You’ll question everything. And, it’s particularly stunning to find out in the end that there have now been THREE convictions overturned in Ada, based on DNA evidence. Considering that it’s a town of less than 17,00 people makes this viewer think there is something rotten in Oklahoma.

If you enjoy true crime books and documentaries, you will love this series. If you enjoy social justice work and are on the fence about the death penalty, you will enjoy it. It’s really compelling and it will keep you interested.

If you watch the series, please let me know what you think. Do you think that the 2 men who are still incarcerated are innocent?