The Jinx Season 2 Review: “The Jinx” returns Sunday (HBO, 10 EDT/PDT and streaming on Max), nine years after its first instalment finally brought elusive real estate heir Robert Durst to justice. Before diving into Part 2, which focuses on Durst’s friends who aided in his crimes, here’s a recap of the story.
The Jinx Season 2 Review
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst Recap
The final episode of Andrew Jarecki’s 2015 docuseries, ‘The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,’ concluded with a stunning revelation. Robert Durst, the focus of the series, unintentionally uttered, “Killed them all, of course,” while unaware that his microphone was still recording. These words bore a chilling resemblance to a confession, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Just before this moment, Durst had been presented with compelling evidence regarding his involvement in the 2000 execution-style murder of Susan Berman. A letter written by Durst, obtained from Berman’s stepson, was instrumental in the case. Further analysis revealed striking similarities between this letter and the notorious “cadaver note” sent anonymously to the Beverly Hills PD. Both contained the same misspelling of the word “Beverly.” Notably, Durst himself insisted that only Berman’s killer could have written the “cadaver note.”
The impact of Durst’s inadvertent confession, captured on audio, was profound. It was a moment that shook the narrative to its core. Jarecki’s meticulous investigation and the compelling storytelling throughout ‘The Jinx led to this climactic revelation.
Through interviews, archival footage, and compelling evidence, ‘The Jinx’ built a strong case against the real estate heir. Its engaging and energetic approach kept viewers enthralled, building anticipation until the unforgettable moment of Durst’s accidental admission.
As viewers eagerly anticipated the climactic finale of The Jinx, little did they know that Robert Durst had already been arrested in New Orleans before the episode aired. In 2013, Andrew Jarecki and his team handed over the evidence they had gathered. Though the LAPD insisted that Durst’s arrest timing was coincidental, it was hard not to wonder if the interviews with Jarecki played a role in closing in on him sooner.
With Durst now in custody on suspicion of Susan Berman’s murder and a trial on the horizon, it was evident that The Jinx’s story was far from reaching its conclusion. Yet, it has been nearly a decade since the initial release of the first half of this gripping docuseries.
As we all know, Durst’s tale ultimately met a definitive end with his conviction in 2021 and his subsequent passing in prison a few months later. Naturally, Jarecki faced a daunting task in crafting a sequel when the outcome was already known. However, The Jinx still surprises and astounds with its unexpected twists.
While the ending may be familiar, the journey that unfolds in The Jinx’s continuation holds plenty of captivating revelations. Jarecki skillfully weaves discoveries and unforeseen developments that shed further light on this captivating case.
| Title | The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst (2015) |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Release Date | February 18, 2015 |
| Cast | Andrew Jarecki, Robert Durst |
| Main Genre | Documentary |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Writers | Andrew Jarecki, Marc Smerling, Zac Stuart-Pontier |
| Streaming Service(s) | HBO Max |
| Director | Andrew Jarecki |
What is the Jinx Part 2 about?
As the reviewer watched the first four episodes provided for review, a notable aspect of Part Two of The Jinx became apparent. It wasn’t solely focused on picking up where the original docuseries left off but also delved into discussing The Jinx’s reaction to and impact.
The initial instalment, cleverly titled “Why Are You Still Here?” as Chapter 7 rather than 1, focused slightly more on refreshing the audience’s memory about past events. Jarecki and The Jinx producers were unaware of the explosive contents of their audio files until they stumbled upon them. Given the secrecy surrounding the shocking revelation in the 2015 finale, it’s understandable that the episode reveals Jarecki receiving a call from Durst’s former lawyer, who appears rather anxious about the potential content of the series.
One intriguing segment of the episode centred around the watch party hosted by Jarecki for the finale. The guest list boasted an array of attendees, including former Westchester County DA Jeanine Pirro, Galveston PD Detective Cody Cazalas, and the family of Durst’s first wife, Kathie, whose disappearance in 1982 remains unsolved.
While this moment could have risked feeling like a self-congratulatory gathering of docuseries participants, witnessing everyone’s real-time reactions to Durst’s accidental confession via hot microphone felt like stepping into a cultural time capsule. It transported the viewer back to when it seemed The Jinx had captured a murderer.
As the screen faded to black and the credits rolled, the room buzzed with conversation and confusion. Some questioned the admissibility of the audio in court, while others swiftly reached for their phones to share the news. Amidst it all, Kathie’s family, the McCormacks, sat in stunned silence as the weight of Durst’s words sank in. This moment held immense emotional significance for them, providing a show of closure they had aspired for countless years.
After The Jinx’s spectacular finale, you’d think the hunt would be on — but by this point, if you’ll recall, Durst has already been arrested, and it’s time for a new team to shoulder the burden of proof that he was the one who killed Susan Berman. Unsurprisingly, Part Two shifts its focus to an entirely new group of investigators, prosecutors, defence lawyers, and critical witnesses, as Durst is imprisoned while awaiting trial, and the largest overhanging question becomes more about how this will all play out.
‘The Jinx Part Two’ Still Finds Ways to Stun
The true strength of Part Two of The Jinx lies not in a shocking conclusion but in its captivating exploration of the trial’s intriguing and occasionally unsettling personalities. Through interviews, we gain valuable insights from individuals like LA Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, tasked with building a case against Durst, and Charles V. Bagli, the New York Times reporter who interviewed Durst after each episode of The Jinx (except for the finale).
Though Durst is absent, his presence is felt through recorded audio and video calls from prison. These calls introduce us to the colourful characters that Durst surrounded himself with over the years. Durst’s social circle is examined from his second wife, Debrah Lee Charatan, to close friends like Susie Giordano and Doug Oliver.
One notable figure is Nick Chavin, a former pornographic country singer turned-real-estate-salesman, who proves to be a valuable witness for the prosecution. On the other hand, Stewart Altman, a lawyer who has known Durst since high school, attempts to claim attorney-client privilege but remains tight-lipped under oath, while his wife becomes a crucial source of information for Lewin’s team.
Lewin’s efforts to persuade Durst’s closest confidantes to testify against him provide gripping drama throughout The Jinx – Part Two. It highlights Durst’s manipulative abilities and the chilling means through which he maintained his alliances. It becomes clear that convincing anyone to speak out against Durst is a difficult task for Lewin.
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We learn that one witness requires police protection due to fears for their safety. If Durst was willing to allegedly murder a friend to prevent the revelation of his darkest secret, it raises concerns about his potential for repeating such actions. The defence team relies on Durst’s physical frailty to evoke sympathy during a jury trial, but his cold gaze in the prison video calls reveals more than his spoken words contradict.
Ultimately, Part Two of The Jinx explores the trial’s characters and sheds light on Durst’s manipulative nature. It raises questions about the lengths he would go to protect himself and leaves us pondering the extent of his capacity for harm.
If You Couldn’t Get Enough of ‘The Jinx,’ You’ll Be Hooked on ‘Part Two’
If you were completely hooked on the gripping docuseries “The Jinx,” then get ready to be captivated by “Part Two.” Trust me, it’s a wild ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving more.
From the very beginning, this thrilling instalment takes off like a rocket. It delves deeper into the mysterious and eccentric characters surrounding the trial, bringing their stories to life in an exciting and mind-boggling way. You’ll find yourself engrossed in the interviews with key players, like the relentless LA Deputy District Attorney John Lewin, who specialises in cracking cold murder cases. His determination to build an airtight case against Durst is awe-inspiring.
But don’t worry—the familiar faces are back, too. Remember Charles V. Bagli, the New York Times reporter who conducted those jaw-dropping interviews with Durst? He’s here again, providing fresh insights and adding to the intrigue.
What makes “Part Two” so thrilling is how it uncovers the hidden layers of Durst’s world. Through audio and video calls from prison, we get a glimpse into the enigmatic personalities that Durst surrounded himself with. These characters, who are as colourful as they come, will keep you guessing and wondering about their true motivations. It’s like stepping into a real-life mystery novel, filled with twists and turns you never saw coming.
And let’s not forget the courtroom drama! The tension builds as Lewin fights tooth and nail to convince Durst’s closest allies to testify against him. The stakes are high, and the emotional rollercoaster will have you holding your breath. Will they crack under pressure? Will they reveal Durst’s darkest secrets? It’s a battle of wits and wills that keeps you guessing until the end.
But amidst all the suspense, there are moments of levity too. The unexpected humour woven into the narrative brings a refreshing light to the intense proceedings. It’s like finding a hidden gem during the chaos, making you smile and laugh when needed.
So, if you thought “The Jinx” was an addictive thrill ride, get ready to be blown away by “Part Two.” It’s a heart-pounding, mind-bending journey that will leave you craving more. Buckle up, grab your popcorn, and prepare to be completely and utterly hooked. This is one docuseries you won’t want to miss!
The Jinx Part Two premieres Sunday, April, on HBO and Max, with new episodes premiering weekly.
Is The Jinx movie based on a true story?
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst is an American true crime documentary television series about New York real estate heir Robert Durst, a convicted murderer. It was written by Andrew Jarecki, Marc Smerling, and Zac Stuart-Pontier.
How ‘The Jinx’ director confronted Robert Durst with damning evidence?
The moment when “The Jinx” director confronted Robert Durst with damning evidence is nothing short of spine-tingling. It’s like a scene from a suspenseful thriller, except this time, real life unfolding before our eyes.
The director, Andrew Jarecki, sits face-to-face with Durst, the enigmatic figure at the centre of the investigation. The tension in the room is palpable as Jarecki presents Durst with a series of incriminating documents and recordings. The evidence is damning, weaving a web of suspicion that tightens around Durst with every passing moment.
As the evidence mounts, the director’s determination is unwavering. He knows he’s onto something big, something that could crack open the case wide open. Jarecki skillfully confronts Durst, his voice steady but filled with an underlying urgency. He asks the hard-hitting questions, forcing Durst to confront his past and the secrets he’s desperately tried to bury.
The room hangs in silence as Durst’s reaction, or lack thereof, becomes a crucial piece of the puzzle. His face betrays hints of anxiety, defiance, and perhaps even a flicker of fear. It’s a moment where every microexpression counts, where the weight of the evidence becomes almost too heavy to bear.
And then, just as the tension peaks, Durst utters those haunting words: “What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.” The impact of those chilling words reverberates through the room, leaving everyone stunned and breathless. It’s a confession, a shocking admission that sends shivers down your spine.
In that moment, the director’s gamble pays off. The relentless pursuit of the truth, the careful gathering of evidence, and the confrontation with Durst culminate in a pivotal moment that will forever be etched in the annals of true crime history. It’s a triumph of investigative journalism, a testament to the power of relentless pursuit and headstrong determination.
Love story (and Ryan Gosling) led Andrew Jarecki to pursue the story.
Andrew Jarecki’s pursuit of the story behind “The Jinx” was sparked by a love story and a touch of chance involving actor Ryan Gosling. Jarecki, known for his film “All Good Things,” was inspired by the mysterious disappearance of Kathie Durst, Robert Durst’s first wife. Intrigued by the film, Gosling reached out to Jarecki, expressing his interest in working together.
This unexpected connection led Jarecki to dig deeper into the Durst case, eventually creating “The Jinx.” Jarecki’s fascination with the story and his determination to uncover the truth were fueled by the complex love story between Kathie Durst and Robert Durst. It became a driving force behind his pursuit of justice and his desire to shed light on Robert Durst’s enigmatic figure.
So, it was a combination of love, chance, and Ryan Gosling’s involvement that propelled Andrew Jarecki to delve into Robert Durst’s captivating and chilling tale, ultimately giving rise to the gripping docuseries that has captivated audiences worldwide.
