"Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders" is a new step for Dick Wolf and his media family. After the incredible success of "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" last year, Wolf’s decision to have his franchise enter into the true crime ring is no surprise.

"Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders" is an opportunity for a new audience to experience the grisly tale. It’s been almost 30 years since the infamous Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents. In the four days since "Law & Order: True Crime" aired on NBC, television viewers around the world are either flashing back to that dark time or wanting to know more about this horrific event.

The Menendez brothers are introduced to a new audience

"Law & Order" has been a television staple since its first days in 1990. After several spin-offs, including SVU (which is in its 19th season – almost surpassing the original’s record 20 seasons!), "Criminal Intent," "Trial by Jury," and "Los Angeles," the latest venture in the justice family is attempting something completely different.

For those who are young enough to be unfamiliar with the Menendez brothers’ story, you soon learn that under the pristine Beverly Hills image of success, this family had a lot of secrets and a lot of pain. The first episode shows Kitty Menendez in bed, depressed to the point where she can’t leave her room or even speak to her son.

Jose Menendez is portrayed in all his powerful, domineering glory: he tells Lyle that his tennis-playing fiancé isn’t good enough, and during a flashback scene in Episode 2 of the Menendez Murders he sneers a homophobic slur at his young son Erik. While Lyle is depicted as stoic, guarded, and opportunistic, Erik is shown to be emotional, fragile, and terrified.

Edie Falco and Josh Charles bring their characters to life

Then there’s Leslie Abramson and the infamous shrink, Dr. Oziel. The good doctor obviously loves being in the thick of the drama and doesn’t even try to hide his sleaziness.

Abramson, on the other hand, is kind and nurturing with her clients while presenting a strong, looking-for-a-fight mentality with the media. She is not to be messed with.

"Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders" opened with a killer first episode last week and this week’s episode fulfilled much of the ominous feelings left by the first. The boys were arrested. They admitted their guilt. But why did they do it? What really happened behind those closed Beverly Hills mansion’s doors?

Viewer anticipation builds for more 'Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders' episodes

There have been many reviews of "Law & Order True Crime", some saying the show is confusing, that it doesn’t know what it wants to bek.

Others hail the show’s presentation of events and gleefully anticipate the hell of a fight to come between Leslie Abramson and prosecutor Pamela Bozanich.

Even if the show doesn't know what it wants to be, viewers can see what it is: mesmerizing.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED