Hollywood celebrity murder trial deja vu

“LOS ANGELES - Actor Robert Blake was acquitted of killing his wife four years ago because the state simply didn't make its case, jurors said, citing flimsy evidence and a pair of unbelievable witnesses.”

A famous celebrity is arrested after the death of his wife in a much-publicized case.

The actor (I guess he is still acting. I haven’t seen him in anything in twenty years) was arrested to the accompaniment of many television cameras. The prosecutors confidently predicted a speedy conviction. The defense called the trial a farce, and predicted acquittal. Months stretched to years before the trial finally wound down to a surprise verdict: not guilty. A lawyer for the victim’s family immediately announced a civil suit against the accused murderer that would finally bring justice.

WE’VE SEEN THIS MOVIE ALREADY!

I sort of fell out of the habit of watching the news a couple of years back (it was in the middle of the media making it clear that the legality/illegality of gay marriage was the most important issue mankind has ever faced), so I must have missed the helicopter-filmed chase scene where Blake was apprehended. I am assuming he was in a gray 1962 Buick being driven by close friend and pimp Rooster, accompanied by a cockatoo named Fred.

In addition, my news hiatus prevented me from seeing much of the trial. Once again, I am operating under the assumption that much discussion took place over Bruno Magli shoes, and that Mr. Blake tried on a pair of gloves that didn’t appear to fit. I am also guessing that The Tonight Show featured regular appearances by the Dancing Schempps (as in judge Darlene Schempp, not the Stooge by the similar name).

Anyhow, here’s wishing Blake the best of luck in finding the real killer of his wife. He did say he would be doing that, right?