‘Who Killed Jill Dando?’ Netflix Series Review - Gripping and Haunting

Jill Dando was one of the most popular and well-respected television presenters in the United Kingdom. She was known for her warm personality and her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. On April 26, 1999, Dando was shot and killed outside of her home in London. Her murder shocked the nation and sent shockwaves through the media industry.

The series begins with a recap of Jill Dando’s life and career, highlighting her achievements as a BBC news presenter and the host of Crimewatch, a show that appealed to the public for help in solving crimes. It then details the events of April 26, 1999, when Dando was shot in the head at point-blank range on the doorstep of her home in Fulham, London. The series follows the police investigation, codenamed Operation Oxborough, that involved more than 2,500 interviews and 1,000 statements but failed to identify a clear motive or suspect.

The series also examines the controversial trial and conviction of Barry George, a local man with a history of mental illness and petty crime, who was found guilty of Dando’s murder in 2001 based on circumstantial evidence and a speck of gunpowder residue found on his coat. George spent eight years in prison before his conviction was overturned in 2008 after new forensic tests cast doubt on the reliability of the residue. The series questions whether George is a scapegoat or a genuine suspect and whether there is any hope of finding the real killer.

Who Killed Jill Dando? chronicles the investigation into Dando's murder, from the initial discovery of her body to the present day. The film features interviews with key figures in the case, including Dando's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as police officers and journalists who worked on the investigation.

The documentary also examines the various theories about who may have killed Dando. One theory is that she was killed by a stalker. Another theory is that she was killed by a professional hitman. There is also the possibility that she was killed by someone she knew.

Who Killed Jill Dando? is a well-made and thought-provoking documentary. It is clear that a lot of time and effort went into making the film. The interviews are insightful and the footage is compelling.

One of the things that I liked most about the documentary is that it does not try to answer the question of who killed Jill Dando definitively. Instead, it presents the facts of the case and allows viewers to draw their own conclusions. I also appreciated the fact that the documentary gives a lot of time and attention to Dando's family and friends. It is clear that she was a beloved person who was deeply missed by those who knew her.

However, I do have a few criticisms of the documentary. First, I think that it could have been a bit shorter. At over two hours long, it is a bit of a slog to get through. Second, I think that the documentary could have done a better job of examining the various theories about who killed Dando. It would have been helpful to hear more from experts on these theories.

The series does not shy away from presenting conflicting or contradictory views or evidence, nor does it try to impose a definitive answer or conclusion. Instead, it invites viewers to weigh up the information and arguments for themselves and to consider the implications and consequences of such a high-profile and unresolved murder. The series also pays tribute to Jill Dando as a person and a professional, highlighting her charisma, integrity, and dedication to her work.

Final Score – [7/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times