The Lizzie Borden Chronicles

This 2015 eight-part miniseries re-imagines how the 19th century's most notorious axe murderer might have led her life in the years after giving her parents those infamous 40 whacks. Christina Ricci reprises her role for Lifetime—following 2014's Lizzie Borden Took an Ax—playing crazy with a deliciously menacing gleam in her eye. The Lizzie Borden Chronicles follows Lizzie through wildly speculative misadventures as people continue to suffer savage demises after her acquittal. Along with her sister Emma (Clea DuVall), Lizzie takes no prisoners from the assorted band of creditors, cretins, and crazed characters who cause the siblings trouble or provide romantic intrigue in 1890s New England. Among them are a half brother (Andrew Howard), a greedy lawyer (John Heard), and a Pinkerton detective named Siringo (Cole Hauser) who is determined to bring the hatchet of justice down on the irredeemable butcheress. The storylines are full of sardonic glee, exploring both the period and the preposterous series of gruesome events presented as an alternate history to the inspiring incident—with nods and winks all around. Extras include deleted scenes and a gag reel. A guilty pleasure, this offbeat miniseries is recommended. (T. Fry)