What to Watch: The Yogurt Shop Murders, The Twelve, Chief Of War, The Logies and Wednesday

The Yogurt Shop Murders

Monday, streaming on Max

Another day, another grisly true-crime documentary. They’re a dime a dozen on TV, to the extent it’s become easy to feel immune to the horrors these shows often explore as you sit on your couch eating snacks.

On the surface, this four-part documentary could feel like just another in a long line of voyeuristic true-crime deep dives, but it’s so much more than that.

It’s an exploration into the murders of four teenage girls, killed at a frozen yoghurt shop in Austin, Texas, in 1991. It takes a more nuanced approach, looking not so much at the awful unsolved crime that was committed — though that is discussed in horrifying detail — but at the effect it’s had on people in the years since.

Director Margaret Brown (Descendant) paints a haunting picture of lives upended by an unspeakably brutal crime, made all the worse by the fact that justice appears never to have been truly served. Through interviews with the investigators, families, victims’ siblings and the two men who served time for the crime, the series raises some important questions about the criminal process, how crimes are reported, and the power of suggestion. At certain points, my jaw was on the floor.

This is by no means an easy watch — like all true-crime series the subject matter is often difficult to stare down — but I found myself utterly hooked. I was also incredibly moved, especially by one of the victim’s sisters, Sonora Thomas, who now works as a therapist advocating for storytelling as a means to help people heal from trauma.

This is a fascinating documentary, and not to be missed.

The Twelve S3

Monday, streaming on Foxtel and Binge

Three seasons in and this series continues to resonate. It takes a look at the trial of the husband of the friend of barrister Brett Colby (Sam Neill), who is acting in the man’s defence. His case is wrapped up in the historic 1968 murder of two teens, and as the story progresses, we learn how these events are linked. As ever, there are some interesting stories to be told about the 12 jurors. Great cast, great plot, and some great scenery courtesy of WA — a winning combination.

Chief Of War

Streaming now on Apple TV Plus

Based on true events, this drama, from man-mountain Jason Momoa (who also stars), tells the story of “unification and colonisation of Hawaii” at the beginning of the 18th century. It’s a period piece and has an impressive, mostly Polynesian ensemble cast, and some truly breathtaking scenery (yes, we’re including the mountainous Momoa in that). This is generating a lot of buzz. Pop it on your watch list.

The 65th TV Week Logie Awards

Sunday, 7pm, Seven

Would you believe it, “TV Christmas” has rolled around AGAIN — 65 years and going strong. This year’s crop of Gold hopefuls are the best yet, with some truly deserving names like Lisa Millar, Poh Ling Yeow and Lynne McGranger duking it out for the top gong. It’s still anyone’s game, though the bookies have Lynne as the favourite to take it out. Absolutely cannot wait for this — see you on the red carpet!

Wednesday

Wednesday, streaming on Netflix

Love yourself a bit of mysterious and kooky television? You’re in luck! Wednesday Addams is back skulking around the halls of Nevermore Academy, ready to take on a whole new batch of “foes and woes” as she’s thrust headlong into another supernatural mystery. Good news for fans of the Fam — Gomez, Morticia and Pugsley all have expanded roles this season, so expect to see them at the school a lot more. Fans will love returning to this world.