I just watched this again last night, and I have to speak up.
First I agree with another reviewer, Kat and Stefani Koorey are about as knowledgeable on the Borden Murders as anyone alive and should have had the spotlight instead of cameos.
The reenactment with the cantaloupe and the blood filled glove was truly laughable and proved nothing. As the hatchet came down, the man pulled the hatchet to him causing the cantaloupe to roll backwards and splatter his coat. Of course the splatter went back, not forward! Then he proceeds to mash the remains of the cantaloupe, and each time the hatchet gets pulled backwards. If that level of professionalism was used by this Detective in the OJ Simpson case, no wonder OJ walked! Then when the actress portraying Lizzie is shown doing the deed, she's standing in FRONT of "her father", not behind him. I've always understood it was assumed Mr. Borden was attacked from behind. They did the cantaloupe test (as it were) from behind...yet they show Lizzie attacking from the front?
That was just one of many nonsensical tests and theories presented. Nothing I've ever read in any of the various Lizzie books ever mentioned that Bridget took offense at being called "Maggie". Also, when this was filmed, there was a printing business next door and the building was attached to the side of the Borden house where Bridget, in 1892, was washing windows that morning. In order for the sound test to be preformed to see if Bridget lied about not hearing anything when Abby Borden was attacked, they had to do the test from INSIDE the home. (That printing business building has since been removed and the Borden home has been restored back to it's original state.)
And who's to say Abby fell? Abby most likely turned away and went down to her knees on her own accord trying to protect herself, as the first blow was from the front. Or maybe she was leaning or kneeling down when the first blow hit, after all she was making up the bed and very little blood splatter was on the bedding.
This was a stellar idea, an opportunity to apply forensic science to an enduring Victorian mystery and possibly come up with some new information. Instead it was turned into a joke...a real hatchet job even Lizzie would laugh at. Keystone cops indeed!
