AudioFileZ Review of Locked Up Abroad

Locked Up Abroad (2007– )

A Specific Type Crime Series That Has Evolved To Be One Of The Best

[9/10 · 25 September 2016]

I haven't watched "Locked Up Abroad" now for several years even though I initially found it interesting. I guess my thinking was along the lines of these stories, though often compelling, are so similar. I guess I'm thinking something like if you've seen several, you've seen them all. Now I'm thinking quite differently as I'm doing some retrospective looking back starting with more recent stories. Watching without relentless commercial breaks is the first thing that allowed me to invest more into some very heartbreaking, often harrowing, personal tragedies. Even with the rote cable TV format's ubiquitous recaps after breaks (this show thankfully has concise recaps), this is, now for me, a much more involving watch. The show, now on MSNBC, has matured too. The stories, while heavy on drug trafficking, are truly varied. I even noticed at least one, so far, that has nothing to do with being locked up abroad as it was about the Vegas Mob. I think the broader palette used is more brilliant than not because it gives needed variety to drug mule type vignettes. All in all I give the show high marks. The real people involved are the most compelling device as they narrate their experiences with well recreated visuals that drive home a small portion (the real horror would be virtually impossible) of unimaginable pain and suffering endured. I imagine if you're like me, with an interest in true life survival stories as well as crime, you will want to take another look at a series that is getting better and maturing with more variety. Sometimes you invest so much in the people who are involved you even want to know more than the small wrap ups which give you a peek into their lives post being incarcerated. That's pretty high praise, this series is highly recommended especially if, like myself, you stopped watching early on.