There's a frightening moment in the first 15 minutes of Such Is Life.

Although I'd prepared myself for the worst, this image was so jarring it stuck with me for quite awhile.

No, I'm not talking about Ben Cousins with a crack pipe. I'm talking about the appearance of Channel Seven "identity" Hamish McLachlan spruiking tomorrow night's show and a Q&A session with Cousins and his father.

And that's my biggest problem with this highly-hyped program so far: the need to sell it extra hard as a life lesson instead of the fascinating story of a drug addict who happens to be a phenomenal footballer.

From the earnest promos that have been running all week on Seven, to the poorly-shot, preachy opening monologue by Cousins himself, Such Is Life has been pushed as an educational story. I understand the need to justify such intense and controversial content, particularly with children. But honestly, millions weren't tuning in to learn about the evils of drugs, they wanted to see a show about the train wreck that was Cousins.

I use the word “show” rather than documentary, because that’s how this has been sold and that’s how it was presented, stuffed full of commercials and split into two parts.

All that aside, I found Such Is Life to be compelling viewing. Cousins is a superb narrator and a brilliant subject. He’s good looking, he’s well-spoken, and no topic seems to be off limits. His father Bryan and his sister Melanie, in particular, presented the family’s side of the story in an effective, yet heartbreaking manner.

The voices move the story along for the most part, although some of the interviews with footy journalists seem more for effect than for insight. As you’d expect, the most effective storytelling is done by Cousins himself. His recap of the time he fled a booze bust and nearly swam across the river was priceless. His descriptions of drug binges are honest and intense.

I look forward to part two tomorrow night. Although I think I’ll skip Hamish’s postmatch interview.