Plot Synopsis

Directed and executive produced by Marc Smerling and based on Errol Morris' 2012 book of the same name, A WILDERNESS OF ERROR is a five-part documentary series that chronicles the story of Green Beret doctor Jeffrey MacDonald, who is sent to prison for killing his family, but who may be an innocent man. Morris is obsessed with one of America's most popularized true crimes -- the murder of a pregnant wife and two young daughters on an Army base back in 1970. MacDonald said a band of drugged-crazed hippies attacked his family, led by a girl in a floppy hat. Army Investigators said MacDonald committed the murders. After an Army hearing frees MacDonald, his father-in-law demands a re-investigation. But when he sees all the evidence, he's shocked by where it leads. Nine years after the murders of his pregnant wife and two young daughters, the guilt of MacDonald is put to a civilian jury. The defense calls a surprise witness: The Girl in a Floppy Hat. When Joe McGinniss' book, "Fatal Vision," is published, the story it tells is not what convicted killer MacDonald had hoped for. New evidence is discovered that may finally prove MacDonald is innocent, and The Girl in the Floppy Hat sits for an interview. MacDonald served more than 30 years in prison when a federal judge finally agrees to hear the new evidence in his case, and Morris heads to North Carolina believing the truth will finally come out. The first three episodes of A WILDERNESS OF ERROR premiered on Friday, September 25, 2020 from 8-11:30pm ET/PT on FX. The series concludes when FX debuts the final two episodes one week later on Friday, October 2 from 9-11pm.
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On Friday, October 2, 2020 from 9-11:05PM ET/PT, FX premiered the final two episodes of A WILDERNESS OF ERROR:

"When a Narrative Becomes Reality" (9-10pm): When Joe McGinniss' book, "Fatal Vision," is published, the story it tells is not what convicted killer Jeffrey MacDonald had hoped for... New evidence is discovered that may finally prove Jeffrey MacDonald is innocent. The Girl in the Floppy Hat sits for an interview. Directed by Marc Smerling

"A Wilderness of Error" (10-11:05pm): Jeffrey MacDonald served more than 30 years in prison when a federal judge finally agrees to hear the new evidence in his case. Errol Morris heads to North Carolina believing the truth will finally come out. Directed by Marc Smerling.