Dirty John The Betty Broderick Story Review: The second season of the Dirty John anthology, The Betty Broderick Story, takes viewers into the true-crime saga of one of the most infamous domestic murder cases in the U.S. The series retells the story of Betty Broderick, a woman who murdered her ex-husband Dan and his new wife, Linda, in 1989. This tragic tale of marital betrayal, gaslighting, and unchecked rage resonates with audiences who have long been fascinated by the complexities of Betty’s character and her downward spiral.
Betty’s story, while disturbing, reveals deep layers of emotional turmoil that make it more than just a sensationalized crime. The show, based on a Los Angeles Times podcast, was created by Alexandra Cunningham and premiered in June 2020 on the USA Network before making its way to Netflix. The Betty Broderick Story doesn’t just chronicle a woman scorned—it’s a searing critique of the destructive power dynamics within a marriage.
A Marriage Built on Fragile Foundations
Set in 1980s La Jolla, California, the series begins as Betty (Amanda Peet) and her high-powered attorney husband, Dan (Christian Slater), are in the midst of a brutal divorce. Betty has dedicated over 20 years of her life to supporting Dan, putting aside her personal dreams to raise their children while he builds a successful career. She stands by him through medical school and law school, playing the role of the “good wife” until Dan embarks on an affair with his young assistant, Linda Kolkena (Rachel Keller).
Dan’s betrayal triggers Betty’s unraveling, which Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story portrays with painstaking detail. Cunningham makes a smart choice by starting the series when the divorce is on the verge of finalization. Dan, manipulative and cold, uses every legal trick in the book to outmaneuver Betty, including withholding financial support and blocking her from key court dates. Betty’s desperation grows as Dan secures custody of their children and control over their assets, driving her further into a rage that ultimately leads to murder.
The show moves fluidly between the present and flashbacks, allowing viewers to see how the seeds of dysfunction were planted early in their marriage. Betty’s role as a devoted wife, who sacrificed everything for her husband’s success, gradually morphs into a tragic portrait of a woman who becomes increasingly unhinged as her world collapses. Christian Slater’s portrayal of Dan is nuanced; he plays the role with a smug, arrogant charm that makes him both captivating and detestable.
Amanda Peet’s Captivating Performance
Amanda Peet’s performance as Betty is nothing short of remarkable. Peet brings to life the complex emotions bubbling within Betty, balancing vulnerability, frustration, and rage. In earlier scenes, Peet portrays Betty as a put-together, loving wife and mother who is determined to hold her family together, even as it’s slipping away from her grasp. But as the series progresses, Betty’s mental state deteriorates, and Peet masterfully depicts her transition from a wounded wife to a vengeful, irrational woman.
Peet avoids the temptation to paint Betty as purely “crazy.” Instead, she presents a multi-layered character whose behavior is rooted in decades of emotional suppression and psychological abuse. Betty’s obsessive need to regain control over her life, marriage, and children is both tragic and terrifying. Her frustration, particularly with the patriarchal system that allows Dan to maintain power over her, becomes the driving force of her increasingly erratic behavior.
One particularly striking moment is when Betty, after learning that Dan has obtained a court order to sell their house without her permission, drives her truck into the front door of his new home. The scene captures her desperation and her utter sense of loss as she realizes that Dan’s power and influence extend beyond the dissolution of their marriage.
A Story of Emotional Manipulation
At its core, The Betty Broderick Story is about emotional manipulation and the devastating effects it can have on a person’s psyche. The show delves into how Dan’s systematic gaslighting pushes Betty to the edge. By controlling the narrative of their divorce, withholding finances, and isolating Betty from her children, Dan effectively traps her in a cycle of emotional torment.
The courtroom scenes highlight the imbalance of power between the two. Dan, a successful attorney, uses his legal expertise to portray Betty as irrational and unfit, making it easy for him to gain the upper hand. Meanwhile, Betty’s emotional outbursts, her desperation, and her inability to articulate her pain in the courtroom only serve to solidify the image of her as the “crazy” ex-wife.
The series also shines a light on the societal expectations placed on women in the 1980s. Betty’s friends urge her to “get over it” and move on, but for Betty, the loss of her marriage signifies a complete loss of identity. After years of playing the dutiful wife, she cannot fathom a life without Dan or their children. Her sense of betrayal is compounded by the knowledge that she has been replaced by a younger woman, reinforcing her feelings of inadequacy.
Peet’s Layered Depiction of Betty’s Downfall
What makes The Betty Broderick Story stand out from other true-crime dramas is its willingness to explore the psychological complexities behind Betty’s actions. Peet portrays Betty’s emotional instability with depth, showing that her anger is not only a response to Dan’s betrayal but also to a lifetime of being undervalued and silenced.
Even as Betty’s behavior becomes more erratic, there are moments when the audience can empathize with her. In a key scene, she smiles after her lawyer’s statement during the trial that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. It’s a fleeting moment of recognition, a brief validation of her worth—yet tragically, it’s too little, too late.
A Sobering Look at Domestic Tragedy
Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story is not easy viewing. While it offers plenty of drama, the show refuses to glamorize or sensationalize Betty’s actions. Instead, it presents a raw, unflinching look at the devastating effects of emotional abuse and unchecked rage. The show challenges viewers to consider the ways in which systemic inequality, emotional manipulation, and societal expectations can contribute to a person’s downfall.
In the end, Betty Broderick’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing oneself in a toxic relationship. It’s also a powerful reminder of the human capacity for self-destruction when pushed to the brink. As Betty sits in prison today, The Betty Broderick Story forces us to reflect on the complex intersections of love, power, and control that can lead to such a tragic end.