Series

The Staircase

2004★ 7.6S1 E4

Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, presents a gripping courtroom thriller, offering a rare and revealing inside look at a high-profile murder trial. In 2001, author Michael Peterson was arraigned for the murder of his wife Kathleen, whose body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on the stairway of their home. Granted unusual access to Peterson's lawyers, home and immediate family, de Lestrade's cameras capture the defense team as it considers its strategic options. The series is an engrossing look at contemporary American justice that features more twists than a legal bestseller.

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Episodes

Season 1 · Season 1

Latest S1 E1
1 Crime or Accident? Crime or Accident? Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial. Not watched yet 47m 2 Secrets and Lies Secrets and Lies As Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial. Not watched yet 45m 3 A Striking Coincidence A Striking Coincidence The death of another woman close to Peterson from 17 years earlier sparks a new investigation. She also died on a staircase, casting major doubts over the defense case. Not watched yet 46m 4 A Prosecution Trickery A Prosecution Trickery As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team. Not watched yet 44m 5 A Weak Case A Weak Case The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury. Not watched yet 47m 6 The Prosecution's Revenge The Prosecution's Revenge A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny. Not watched yet 47m 7 The Blow Poke Returns The Blow Poke Returns Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears. Not watched yet 50m 8 The Verdict The Verdict Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen. Not watched yet 49m 9 Reopening the Case Reopening the Case Eight years later, the possibility that a key witness for the prosecution may have misled the jury could prompt the need for a new trial. Not watched yet 55m 10 The Last Chance The Last Chance After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary. Not watched yet 52m 11 Looking for Closure Looking for Closure Following two and a half years of house arrest, Michael must decide whether to push for a plea or risk his freedom with a new trial. Not watched yet 52m 12 Between Anger and Despair Between Anger and Despair Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight. Not watched yet 46m 13 Flawed Justice Flawed Justice Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court. Not watched yet 46m

Cast

Michael PetersonSelf
Ron GueretteSelf
Tom MaherSelf
David RudolfSelf
Bill PetersonSelf

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