I grew up not a million miles from Bootle, and was 14 at the time, so remember it quite vividly. I might be alone in this, but whilst the crime was obviously terrible seeing this documentary as an adult (and parent) a few things struck me;
- Was Boris right when he described Liverpudlians as being addicted to grief? Denise has allowed this to entirely rule her life. Given that she has other children, whilst she doesn't need to forget, doesn't she have a duty to herself, and her family to move on? Madeline McCain, anyone? I couldn't help but think that the shrine to James at her house was somewhat uncomfortable. I was also wondering what Trevor McDonald was actually thinking about this whilst sitting there being very polite.
- I would have much more compassion for Denise if she acknowledged the part she played in the abduction. I know it's easy to take your eye of a child for a second, I've done it. But by starting out by covering her arse and not acknowledging how she felt about her role, left me suspicious of her. I would be mortified and blame my self no end, irrespective of the actions of others. Why does this never come out? Why focus entirely on the actions of others? I find it discrediting.
- The wider communities behaviour as the vans past to enter court - the arrests, the public disorder. Is it really necessary? Is it an intelligent response? What positive thing do they think they are acheiving by causing disuption? It struck me as a misguided attempt to provide 'support', but ultimately has zero value other than creating some footage for the media. Its a completely emotional response.
Not wishing to perpetuate generalisations, but it re-inforced cultural opinions that I already had.
