I initially thought this might just turn into a FBI vs. Serial Killer standard crime series, however, when we are properly introduced to Ted Kazinscky - it becomes truly gripping. Paul Bettany does an incredible job of playing the role of The Unabomber, Ted Kazincsky: dark, ominous, highly intelligent and manipulative. I was young when the real incidents happened in the 90's, but I felt the series was compelling whilst not straying too far from the truth about this story. I'd recommend a watch.
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emily-imdb7 February 2018
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cherold26 August 2017As a miniseries about an FBI profiler, Manhunt: Unabomber is quite engaging. The series follows the search for the Unabomber, which increasingly focuses on the way he writes, as well as preparation for trial two years later, going back and forth.
The protagonist is a profiler called Fitz (excellent performance by Sam Worthington) who starts off as a seemingly happy family man and two years later is living in a cabin in the woods, giving the audience two mysteries: how was the Unabomber caught, and how did Fitz's life fall apart.
While the story is intriguing, The series insists on an Imitation Game approach in which a brilliant individual singlehandedly solves the problem while everyone fights him at every step.
As with the infamously inaccurate Imitation Game, Manhunt's historical accuracy is doubtful. In fact, I did some research and easily found discrepancies. A New York Times story indicates that there were a number of people, including some outside the FBI, working on the textual clues that the miniseries has Fitz solve almost singlehandedly.
The series portrays Fitz in a formulaic manner. For example, his profiling duties lead him to identify too closely with his target, just like most series about profilers.
There's also an amusing scene where a bunch of men yell at each other while the one woman in the room asks the only intelligent question and becomes a major help to Fitz. This seemed a little too perfect (when you see a scene that perfectly illustrates something, it's often, as in the case of some scenes in Hidden Figures, completely made up). The woman is probably just a composite character, since I read an article saying there were numerous people contributing information that in the series all comes from her.
The only thing the producers have admitted to making up are the meetings with Fitz and the Unabomber. The reason for the first meeting makes no sense, which would be a good reason to have not done it, but the producers wanted to make sure there was a setup for a second meeting in which, in the final episode, Fitz cracks everything wide open. Of course.
The series drifts a bit off course towards the end. One episode leaves the investigation to show us the Unabomber's life, but since the series tight focus on the technical aspects of the investigation didn't make me wonder about the man, it just felt like the investigation grinding to a halt. And the final episode, while generally satisfying, felt far too pat.
Does historical accuracy matter? Overall it is an entertaining series, (although it virtually ignores the mystery of Fitz's downfall as set up in the beginning, which felt like a cheat). Personally, though, I often find the sloppiness of historical truth more interesting than the neat packages we get from Hollywood. I wish the writers had been less interested in creating a hero and more interested in the chaotic, collaborative nature of true investigation. -
Thrill_KillZ7 August 2017I watch this sort of stuff all the time, too much at times, but I can say that this has an insightful feel to it that draws you in fast and leaves you wanting to spend the rest of your day/evening watching the rest. It's so well made, the writing is very intelligent and doesn't spoon feed you as it goes along. I admit despite occurring in my Country, the entire series of events was nothing more than a series of news-lines as I was graduating HS that year and remembered little more than that infamous sketch and vague details of the case as a whole.
I think they chose a good time for a show surrounding the details of what makes(made) Ted Kaczynski tick and how agent Jim 'Fitz' Fitzgerald meticulously profiled him in a manner unlike any other before him. I haven't read any of the Ted Kaczynski written articles and letters, but the start of this series has me very interested in him and his ideals. T.K. seems to have some very relatable ideas, some that I very much agree with, but ideals and mailing people explosive devices are quite different. This guy could have easily been a famous author or as law enforcement keeps saying "with an IQ of 168 this guy could have done anything in life", Einstein had a 160 IQ. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series after such a great start.
The really negative reviews here are laughable and written by those who are most likely on a watch list....👀 -
laracall-12 August 2017Intense, brilliantly performed, and riveting account of the hunt for fractured genius Ted Kaczynski, America's most notorious bomber. Highly recommended for those who love gritty, well-crafted drama, as well as anyone with an interest in the darker side of American history.
Paul Bettany's portrayal of the serial killer is pitch-perfect and utterly chilling; not least because, as his motivations and manifesto are revealed, there is no small measure of validity in his perspective (the double tragedy of the Unabomber is both the horror he inflicted on his victims, and the loss to society of an incredible mind that could have contributed so much).
Though Bettany undeniably steals the show, 'Manhunt: Unabomber' boasts a very strong supporting cast, notably the wonderful Brian d'Arcy James, among others. Sam Worthington is sympathetic and convincing as Fitz, the beleaguered FBI agent caught in a battle of wills and wits with a bona fide evil genius. Ultimately, it's the stuff of nightmares (and Emmy awards). The Discovery Channel has just moved up into a new league of television. -
Chuck4Ever13 October 2020Season 2 is PHENOMENAL so far.
Cameron Britton is perfectly cast as Richard Jewell. He's big and cute, and he has great range. This actor can play an innocent, victimized person as brilliantly as he portrays a serial killer.
This taut, thrilling series also features a great supporting cast. Can't wait for the next episode! -
katnbenchapman1 February 2021What a way to ruin a life. The law enforcement community wants to know what people are so mistrustful of them, well here it is. Law enforcement and media. This man's life was turned upside down and torn to pieces! RIP Richard. I live in the same town as Piedmont College and that president should be ashamed and I hope this haunts him every day!
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bola_de_pu11 August 2017Not bad, not bad at all, in my opinion Bettany and Worthington will be Academy Award winners if these show was produced by HBO or another famous trademark. First of all, if you're looking to see desperate violence, gunshots, fights and "flashy violence" these isn't a show for you.Is a thriller, a psychological one, between "The Unabomber" and "Fitz", and the bureaucratic processes in the government agencies that can delay investigations like this. The show have a really slow pace, but it comes alive thanks to the performances of the principal and secondary characters. Will see how the producers develop these show, but the first three episodes are good enough to give these show a chance. Hope ends well.
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Alongside Narcos, The People v. O.J.Simpson and The Looming Tower, Manhunt: Unabomber joins some impressive contemporaries. This is way beyond a standard tv drama based on fact. What unfolds is the full intensity of what must have been one of the most researched shows in recent history. The tension builds from two main directions (alas no spoiler) each with their own barbed wire paths to follow, as well as a brilliant insight into the killer's mind, one that aside from being highly unusual, has got to be one of the most sensitive portrayals of the 'why' I have ever seen. Another highlight for me was that the damage done to the detective's life is distilled into poignant moments rather than being incorporated into one of the driving dimensions of the overall drama (a feature of crime drama these days one has to take for granted). This is likely because the breaking of this case was using highly unusual methods, or at least, one's not typically employed. It's all rather brilliant.
Everything from the acting to the sound design to the photography to the script is truly professional. Sam Worthington, Chris North and Paul Bethany were particularly brilliant in very difficult roles. And overall the filmmakers have created something of profound balance. There are several perspectives here.
To be honest I hadn't heard much about this case from my reading. It was truly illuminating, and edge of my seat fascinating. -
celestekent9 August 2017The FBI uses profilers to figure out who their cold case perpetrators are and in this drama our hero develops a whole new form of Forensic linguistics to develop his profile. In the process he is up against the entire FBI bureaucracy who is mired in the old ways and who reject Fitz's new techniques. Even with all that without the brother turning him in there still might not be an end to this case.
The battle of wits between Fitz and the unabomber during their interviews is almost worth the entire series. The unabomber has many ideas that will fit well for many potential jury members and so the FBI wants a confession and not merely going to court with their mountain of evidence.
The ideas presented in this series about linguistics are interesting of themselves, the concepts of just what is meant by freedom for instance resonated with so many people.
I give this a big thumbs up! -
zjcuda14 December 2020The town did not aid eric at all. This is somthing only peddled by politic conspiracy obsessed of the left variety.
Otherwise this is one hell of a telling of the story and Cameron Britton man ive got to say he is now one of my top favorite actors. If Edward kemper wasnt enough this will bring it home. -
markstylesnyc11 August 2017While the treatment might have been better.. I thought it was fine. What was amazing to me, the depth of detail, the insight, the development behavioral analysis techniques.. Especially the FBI figuring out when he went to college, and finding the 'writing rules, used by a world renowned Newspaper') to track down Kazinski
That part of it is amazing. I thought this was very informative, and entertaining. I'm glad they focused on the discovering who the Unabomber was rather than focusing on the bloody aftermath of his actions (would have been a cheap way to boost ratings.. The writers and producers 'took the high road' in creating this outstanding insight -
zenmateisshite7 September 2017I was unaware of Ted Kaczynski's story, but whenever the Unabomber was referenced in other shows they made it sound like a very dark ominous tragedy, like the Oklahoma bombing, but you can't even compare the two.
Sure, Kaczynski was a serial killer, but that's about it. He did not require all the panic and resources spent on him. His bombs were meant to harm individuals not groups. Sure, he did evil and harmed many directly or indirectly but he's not the worse.
There are far more dangerous people who have killed many more than him, who occupy the highest office in the land, an have the code for the "button". I think this show will help get Ted some support and sell a lot of his books, which are highly rated by the way.
About the show, great subtle acting by the lead characters and great balanced (IMHO) storytelling and the period was not overdone. -
ShelbyTMItchell22 October 2020Really the FBI showed that they threw their weight, acting as high and mighty, and really did not care if Richard Jewell was innocent. That really could ruin a show. For not having unlikable characters. Thinking they are the best but really acted all arrogant and did not know it all the bigger picture
Only the ATF agent played by Arliss Howard was decent along with his partner. Saying he does not give a rat's you know what about jurisdiction, credit, or that in gloating. As he and his parnter were the only ones capable and seeing the bigger picture. Trying to free Jewell and in the knowing that the FBI gave a "free pass" to the real bomber, Eric Rudolph played with sneakiness by Jack Hutson.
Manhunter's and The Umbrella Academy's Cameron Britton's Richard Jewell was a beaten upon and bullied by the media, feds, everybody and even his own mother did not believe him. Until later on as only character actor Jay O Sanders lawyer friend came to believe him from day one.
Really a shame that there is not a class where the feds need to act like team players. There is no I in team. -
cscigu7 January 2019Sadly, if you do just a little research into the case, its plain that little of what you see in this TV show is true. Fitzgerald had only a minor role in the investigation. He never met the the Unabomber, never questioned him, and did not write the search warrant as depicted in the series. Fitzgerald was a paid consultant for the series, which explains his exploded importance here. What a crock.
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phd_travel6 February 2018The first episode of the series has some faults. There is some unnecessary jumping back and forth in time 95 and 97 that is confusing. Don't be put off by this as things get better from the second episode on. There are so many good points about this series. The pursuit is extremely exciting, the linguistic connection is fascinating, the behavior of the stubborn bosses and colleagues at the FBI is frustrating. The episode on the Unabomber's background and reason for insanity is quite shocking. There could have been more scenes of damage to victims and impact on their lives.
Acting is good. Chris Noth is convincing as the FBI guy in charge of the investigation. Sam Worthington is the central character James Fitzgerald a profiler who got them in the right direction. He has got the underdog thing going and that's good. His diction isn't clear enough sometimes. Paul Bettany obviously lost weight for the role and he portrays the unique kind of craziness that the genius psychopath has very well. He gives a memorable performance that not many more familiar actors could have done well.
The details of the story aren't that familiar to most and the case and court proceedings are quite different from other serial killers. Worth watching -
AndersSTHLM15 April 2020Just love the new season after 8ep it's one of the best Manhunt stories I have seen. Even more thrilling then the first season.
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Omid_M21 February 2021I haven't watched the first season yet but I enjoyed watching the second one, Deadly Games. At first I was worried since it is based on true stories, the story would drag and expected a bunch of boring characters, but I ended up liking the show. The story has good pacing imo, and it doesn't move too quickly or slowly. The characters are interesting and well written and I liked some of them. And although the ending was not satisfying enough for me it was okay (considering it was inspired by real events there was not much room for further dramatizing).
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mm-7568715 February 2021Both seasons were interesting and entertaining. Both serial bombers are very interesting characters despite their lunacy. The show is well written and the acting is good. I especially liked the way the show portrays the FBI as a bunch of arrogant, overconfident, overrated buffoons. That is exactly the way any detective I have ever known describes them.
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figueroa_j30 January 2021Incredible but true story about a the worst case of police investigation you can see. Plus the worst example of journalism. I don't know how this poor guy Jewell didn't end his life, as he had no life no more.
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tsb-6826118 October 2018Very well made series . Stick with it and you'll be rewarded. Paul Bettany is excellent and I deserves every acolade . Based on true events and although harrowing and despicable what the bomber did , as also shows maybe what drove him in his madness to do his atrocious crimes A must watch and highly recommended.
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xiaoli_shu16 May 2018The acting is good. The narration is fine. However, the portrayals of most of the characters in Manhunt bother me a little bit. It seems like only two people-Fitz and Ted-in the whole series are intelligent and everyone else is just foolish, stubborn, and uncooperative. I like dramas that are cleverly directed and executed , and that show both the likeable and unlikeable sides of the characters. And this one is...a little bit mundane...in my opinion. Anyway, it is still a fine series. Watch it and decide whether you like it or not.
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hurshjoshi-133329 January 2018The parallels between the Fitzgerald and Kaczynski are one of the many narratives that make this such an enthralling watch. In many ways the similarities between the two, and the inner beast that lurks inside this reviewer (and I suspect a growing number of people who have ever found themselves disenchanted) might be what separates those that find this show thrilling and those that simply don't understand its subtle but growing hype.
The truth is that many of us have dark thoughts, feel the pain of loneliness, or feel the desire to watch the world burn at times, but faced with the prospect very few want to see it in actuality because it would be against our primal instincts to burn that which we are connected to. It is that which makes Ted Kaczynski such a fascinating case study, and in turn gives this show the underlying steel to go with it obviously engrossing source material.
His total detachment from the world despite having so much to offer from an intellectual capacity, in itself is a tragic tale. However instead of travelling down the obvious narrative of the white knights riding in to catch the bad guy, this show gives real insight into how someone could fall so far, and how far reaching the consequences can be.
Was he a snowflake? Or does what he did, make him a snowflake in his eyes?
When we were young, we were all snowflakes, and as the world later teaches us, if we are all snowflakes, none of us are.
Of course what he did was ultimately evil, but the journey through his mind, and also the comparisons between how close the average man (Fitzgerald) can get to connecting with that world view offer a startling insight into where the world is at this moment in time.
In addition, special mention has to go to the wonderful casting, and the wonderful performances by Paul Bettany and Sam Worthington. One has to wonder the depths of method acting Paul Bettany must have gone to, to steal every second he is on screen. -
ferguson-61 August 2017The line between Reality TV and traditional scripted series is officially blurred. On August 1, Discovery Channel will begin airing an 8 episode anthology that provides the backstory of the Unabomber and the unprecedented resources the FBI devoted to the investigation and manhunt from 1978 to 1996. Billed as "Based on True Events", the latest from Producer and Showrunner Greg Yaitanes ("House", "Banshee", "Quarry") delivers some impressive TV tension through a talented cast and a fascinating and tragic true story that gripped the country for nearly two decades.
Mr. Yaitanes also directs all 8 episodes, and perhaps it's his consistent approach that allows Sam Worthington (Avatar) to deliver his best and most believable performance as Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald, the FBI profiler and language expert assigned to the case. Of course, as you would expect, the most interesting character is Ted Kaczynski. A child prodigy, Harvard educated, socially misfit smartest guy in the room, Kaczynski at times seems to tease or make fun of the FBI and their futile attempts at tracking him down. Paul Bettany (a Brit) is terrific and terrifying as the wild-eyed, extremely quiet recluse who uses mail bombs to attack those he holds responsible for the technology takeover.
We see Fitz as an "old" FBI rookie who spent years as a beat cop, and never really excelled as a family man (his very supportive and patient wife is played by Elizabeth Reaser). His talents as a profiler are through language and it's quite interesting to watch the progression of what he labels "Forensic Linguistics" – in an effort to gain respectability within an organization that only places value on hard evidence. Worthington initially portrays Fitz as an eager and nervous puppy overly anxious to prove himself to his superiors (played by Chris Noth and Jeremy Bobb). As time passes, he goes through periods of confidence, professional disgrace, reclamation, and finally as a victim of the self-centeredness so pervasive in a bureaucratic morass.
The UNABOM task force is explained, as is the enormous pressure to track down and stop the Unabomber. Over the years, his 16 bombs resulted in 3 deaths and 23 injuries. It was the largest and longest manhunt in FBI history, and might not have ended without the assistance of Kaczynski's brother David (Mark Duplass). Much of the investigative procedural will likely surprise those who thought it ended simply after David 'turned him in', and most will be surprised at just how much tension can occur with little more than a conference room and white board.
Be prepared for bouncing between timelines. The segments include numerous FBI meetings, a tense meeting with Attorney General Janet Reno (Jane Lynch), interrogations of Kaczynski by Fitz, the uncertainty of what to make of the Unabomber Manifesto ("Industrial Society and its Future), and the stress of needing an admission of guilt to prevent the uncertainty of a jury trial.
It's impossible not to make the comparison with Silence of the Lambs when Fitz interviews Kaczynski more proof that the good guys aren't always the smart ones. It's Episode 6 that provides the backstory and profile of Kaczynski. In Lincoln, Montana (his infamous cabin is located nearby) we note he is friendly (quite ironically) with the local mailman, as well as helpful to the librarian and her math-challenged son. Through the letters to his brother and mother, we learn how his childhood, education, and Harvard psychological study impacted his later severe reaction to societal changes. He felt betrayed too many times, and admits that his "life was not supposed to go like this". Fitz later experienced some similar type betrayals.
Other notables in the supporting cast include Lynn Collins, Keisha Castle-Hughes (15 years after Whale Rider), and Michael Nouri as Bob Guccione. Despite the inclusion of a few clichés, there is a feature film style to much of the series, and it is certainly an impressive entry from the network best known for "Shark Week". No matter how much you remember about the capture of the Unabomber, you'll learn a bit about how the FBI works and what was behind this reign of terror. -
mrvanin2 March 2018Apparently the producers thought that the UNABOM hook would pay off - and the high rating for this series certainly seems to validate their low opinion of viewers' interest in accuracy.
From the perspective of someone who knows a fair amount of the real story, this dramatisation is somewhat annoying. In addition, unnecessary drama just makes certain aspects so tedious. In particular, the negativity that was guaranteed any time that agent Stan Cole (Jeremy Bobb) appeared on-screen, and the weak-willed, moping "composite" characterisation of 'Fitz' "I can't work this way!" Fitzgerald (Sam Worthington) made the FBI look like an amateur group of drama-queens and back-stabbers.
So, instead, treating this as a fanciful alternative-universe take on the UNABOMBER investigation, it's a fairly mundane FBI profiler flick chopped up and stretched into seven mildly interesting episodes. Some reviewers have been very dismissive or derogatory of unenthusiastic reviews. I understand how they feel, because I see no substance to warrant the high score from the opposite view. -
spobedinskas22 July 2018Very good , I like it , as far as I can tell it is quite accurate. Show makes you sympathize with a Kaczynski, but then it shows innocent people, that were maimed during his attacks. A very well made show, however it has one important flaw. Show intentionally misses the part of his manifesto attributed to leftist quasi-religion about political correctness which plays important role in day to day madness and to modern day hysteria in college campuses.