The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman TV REVIEW by Brooke Daugherty : Pop Culture Leftovers

The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman TV REVIEW by Brooke Daugherty

March 6, 2022 6:41 am |

I have to be honest, I have a hard time giving praises for true crime shows. Partly because they are formulaic nowadays, but mostly because I feel bad for the victims. The way Puppet Master weaves parallel stories from two time periods makes this story even more compelling and heartbreaking.

The two hour runtime is broken into three episodes, which helps lend some time to get a breather if you need one. The story is split into two time frames. One in the past with a conman convincing British university students they are being targeted by the IRA. We find out what happened and his conviction in 2005. The two timelines are told from the victims and their loved ones as well as actor portrayals to progress the story. Sam Benstead and Gareth Johnson individually directed the episodes, but between the interviews and reenactments, the tone is consistent.

That story is paralleled with a modern day story of two siblings searching for their mother. Although the conman has once again changed his name, it is obvious he is the same man from the earlier story. Only now, he has served his time and is at it again. We hear the tragic story of their mother falling for his lies and how they haven’t seen her since.

Understandably, many people don’t believe these types of stories, thinking they could never be manipulated or tricked by someone like this. I hate to tell you, it can happen to you. If you automatically think “These people are ignorant” or “I’m too smart for that” then don’t bother. These victims and their families have been through enough and don’t need your negativity.

PCL Rating: High Taste It

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: FRESH