On a car trip home I recently listened to Serial seasons 1 and 2. Season 1 was interesting but ultimately disappointing because after 12 mostly-hour-long episodes of investigative journalism we ended up with no clearer picture of the case and no change in the subject's legal status. That said, I recommend listening to it (it's a free podcast) if you have have 10 hours to kill.
Season 2 is about Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier who walked off his post and was captured by the Taliban. What's interesting about this season is that we already know the important legal facts of the case; Bergdahl admits he left his post and was captured. His guilt is undeniable, though the court martial has yet to be convened. Many high-ranking Army officers are of the opinion that 5 years of captivity which included psychological and physical torture more than account for his violation of the UCMJ. On the other hand, many are angry that his capture caused a 45-day surge-like manhunt for him that exhausted troops, expended vital resources, and endangered the lives of many soldiers; some even claim soldiers were killed during these searches in particular.
For those who have listened up to the point (it's released weekly and is in a mid-season break right now), what're your thoughts? I initially started out thinking he was a dumb fuck that deserved everything that was coming, but after listening to stories about his captivity, torture, and escape attempts, I'm inclined to believe he deserves little more than a dishonorable discharge.
Here's a link to the podcast:
https://serialpodcast.org/
Serial season 2: Bowe Bergdahl