Smashbomb

Steven Avery is back, still appealing his conviction for the murder of Theresa Hallbach, as is his nephew, Brendan Dassey.
The series was interesting, giving so much insight into the US courts and appeals system, which seems very convoluted, with so much apparent new evidence emerging on more thorough investigation and forensic analysis.
Avery's appeal case is submitted based on lots of facets - ineffectiveness of counsel, constitutional violations, new evidence etc etc. How this evidence is uncovered was really interesting and compelling. However, you have to wonder whether the submission of Avery's appeal was made too early in order to satisfy the TV series. It seemed like so much more evidence was uncovered after it was filed, which would have made the case so much stronger - fine if it goes to trial as this can all be used, but once the original appeal is submitted, that is what the judge will use to assess whether it should. Again, this facet of the appeal system seems unfair - the same judge reviews the appeal repeatedly and is bound to get fed up with hearing the same appeal over and over again. If the conviction was a result of large-scale corruption and evidence-planting, they had to nail the appeal first time, not file some of it then add bits and pieces later.
Dassey's appeal also seemed flawed, focusing so much on his coerced confession, when they should have paid more attention to how little evidence there was against him other than a dubious confession. I guess it was a case of having College lawyers who saw it more as an intellectual/theoretical exercise and were possibly a bit green for the courts in action.
All in all, the series ends with no progress for either party - Dassey's case has been all the way to the top with no joy. However, Avery's case is still in the early stages and the fight is clearly not over. This felt similar to the filing of his appeal, submitted too early just to satisfy TV scheduling.
The series, while compelling throughout, is too long for the content included and could easily have been edited down to 5 episodes or less.
I suspect another few episodes will be released next year, if some progress is made on either case.

Kudos

Peter_mark84 (59 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Mad Max in Video Games

Jun 30, 2019

Mad Max

2015 | Action/Adventure

7.8

(9 Ratings)

Video Game Rating

Vast open world (3 more)

Nice mechanic of watching fuel level

Good melee combat

Investing tasks

Not many 'missions' (2 more)

Map can flee bland due to setting

Not the most compelling story

Mad To The Max

You start the game, dealing with Scrotus and his forces. This is mostly cinematic but gets you ready for the game. You wake up after being thrown from Scrotus' wagon. Chum-bucket, a slightly unhinged mechanic and side kick helps you. Early on you learn thr iconic Ford Interceptor from the films has been broken into scrap. You seek to rid the land of Scrotus' influence.

The gameplay is really interesting, allowing you to customise the car to how you like. What ever your preference of car design you will find this available. To get main missions you have to lower the 'Threat Level' of Scrotus' forces. This is done by clearing outposts, minefields and destroying Markers (Scarecrows).

As you do more upgrades for weapons and car parts become available. The story lacks as it is purely about taking down the bad guys and does not give much investment. However it is really fun, driving round taking down the bad guys.

The weapons are fun, and once you unlock the Thunderpoon, tougher enemies are beaten easy.

If you like driving games, Mad Max and games where progression of the game is purely on the player than this is for you.

However if you are interested in games with much more weight to the story or compelling missions. Then you will not enjoy this as much.

Personally I love the gameplay and way the game progresses. It is the sort of game that while being open world you can invest a small amount of time in and get loads done.