Critic Reviews

Scamanda gets to the point of its story quickly, which is always appreciated during true crime docuseries.

There is no real explanation given for why Riley did it. There’s no insight here. Just a good story. Is it enough? I’m not sure.

Though the series offers a brief update on where she is today, it mostly brushes over these themes. Digging deeper into the mental motivations behind Riley’s actions, her upbringing and the emotional impact of the lengthy con would have struck a more poignant and enduring note.

I can’t speak to whether Webster’s podcast is as sensationalist as the docuseries. Considering that podcast listeners are generally a less guileless lot than network-TV viewers, I’m guessing it wasn’t. But judging by the first episode, I’m betting that Scamanda is better heard than seen.

It’s a mediocre doc, but the story is wild.