A Friend of the Family

I first watched "Abducted in Plain Sight" - which, still, remains the most disturbing portrayal of this incident out there whether in book form or live action. You can't beat the interviews with the family - just can't. Where this show seems to be created to straighten out some storytelling timelines ( and that IS important in this particular story ) and the acting is top notch, the mood and tone of the Netflix docudrama "Abducted in Plain Sight " better captures the ultimate tone of dark, disbelief that enshrouds this story - better than A Friend of the Family. This is a VERY dark story with long term ramifications for all involved and the Friend of the Family almost keeps the entire story in a too rosey light. This man took absession to a new reality for this family, and the music and editing and lack of showing his actual ( n ot literal - we don't need to see him raping an 11 year old ) intimate interactions with his victim is odd, especially since there was a very long, complete scene with Jan's father "assisting" Berchtold in a sexual "relief" act. I felt the poor father's anguish. We only glimpse Jan's anguish as outsiders because of this lack of "showing" vs "telling" which every storyteller knows is the #1 rule. Show, don't tell. Takeaway: If you want to really understand the complexities of this very unfortunate event in this family's life, watch both and read the book - between the three is better understanding of HOW this happened, WHY it happened and, as a parent/ grandparent/ relative - whatever - how to spot this kind of manipulation so you and yours aren't victims.

This is not an easy watch and might not be for everyone. It is a very well made, well paced series that tells quite the unbelievable-but sadly real- story. There's not much more to say or the risk it's to spoil it: my take on the bad reviews is that throughout the series you constantly want to switch it off, as frustration towards individuals or the "system" (church, law, police, hospital, etc.) mounts. This is no fairy tale, that doesn't mean it's not with watching, or that actors didn't play well. All protagonists were extremely believable in their roles, with that slight edge of surreality that actually adds up to the realism of the story.

I would highly recommend watching "Abducted in Plain Sight" on Netflix as a prequel to watching this. You will get a WAY better grasp of everything that happens with this story from start to finish. The fact that Jan Broberg herself introduced this show in the beginning tells me Peacock is asking for permission before telling any true life stories on screen too. BRAVO to everyone involved in this production. So far... I love Anna Paquin, Colin Hanks, Lio Tipton is outstanding and Jake Lacy as "B" is just as terrifying as I remember. I'm looking forward to McKenna Grace's performance. I know this happened in the 70's, but even today... this is a truly crazy story that I believe everyone needs to know about... to know what to look out for, and how to avoid it.

Aside from the fact this is a True story if this was fiction it would Still be shocking ..very in depth in gives you a interesting perspective on a story most of us haven't known I appreciate how well this was out together and easy to follow.. at times during this it was hard to believe some of these events occurred.

This is one of those shows Thts gonna have you remember plus also gives a you a look of how ppl views things in the 1970s .. the parents in this show start to make you mad but at times. Hard to believe they let this dude infiltrate they're whole family..this is highly recommended.

This story is really freaky and it makes me cross, which means the movie did its job causing an emotional reaction. The brainwashing and psychology involved is portrayed well, and is sickening, although not surprising given the storyline. So wrong and so icky, and that vanilla generation with secrets behind closed doors --it's obvious manipulation based upon control and lies that calm the masses to allow the unbelievable to happen. The actors are fabulous. The writing and directing are both spot on. Well done, well done and I think everyone should watch this...and let's hope as a society this layer of clouded belief subsides. I hope the victim(s) don't suffer repercussions for some of the truth revealed and I applaud the main victim for even allowing the story to be told. Hanks, Lacy, Yancey, Grace, Paquin, and Tipton alll give stellar performances.