REVIEW: Voice of a Serial Killer S2 E2 studies the killer who sacrificed her freedom in the name of love

CBS Reality’s compelling original series Voice of a Serial Killer is back for a second series and tonight’s episode explores the unique case of a killer with perhaps one redeemable feature.

For those of you who missed the first series, Voice of a Serial Killer is the docu-drama that uses cutting edge lip-sync technology to bring to life the actual audio confessions of some of the world’s most dangerous murderers and serial killers. Hosted by leading criminologist David Wilson, the show aims to answer the question ‘what is it like to interview a serial killer?’ as it offers an intimate access into the police interrogation room.

Episode two explores the confessions of Aileen Wuornos, notorious for having shot dead six clients whilst working as a prostitute. Although police initially failed to get a word out of Aileen, they soon discovered one fatal weakness; her girlfriend, Tyria Moore. Encouraging Tyria to betray her lover, police were able to bug their telephone calls in order to play on the murderer’s emotions and force a confession out of her. Wuornos eventually confessed to her crimes in the hope police would not pursue her girlfriend any further.

The most fascinating draw of the series is the ability to listen to never-broadcast-before tape recordings, lending viewers the opportunity to delve into the inner workings of a criminal’s mind. Advanced lip-sync technology then brings these recordings to life, with actors transporting you into the interrogation room, or even to the day Aileen committed these horrific crimes.

This episode is the first of its kind in the series, as we look at a murderer who has truly divided public opinion with her story – many who have come to know her case and her upsetting backstory have even sympathised her. Certainly, we are used to hearing the calculated, emotionally-detached recordings of killers on the show, but tonight’s confession tapes are not the usual cold-blooded words of a psychopath.

Subject to what could be described as manipulative tactics by the police, Aileen makes the ultimate sacrifice in handing herself over to protect her partner. But with the lives she has taken, can we begin to see Aileen as an honourable figure? Voice of a Serial Killer delves into these questions, attempting to answer whether there can be such a thing as a serial killer with a moral compass.

Voice of a Serial Killer continues tonight (Wednesday) at 10pm on CBS Reality.