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The Staircase

The Staircase

S1 · E1

IMDB:

7.6
The Staircase

Released

10/7/2004

Duration

0h 46m

Genre

Documentary, Crime

Country

France

Cast

Michael Peterson, Ron Guerette, Tom Maher

Overview

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.

Episodes

Crime or Accident?EP 1Available

Crime or Accident?

47m6.7

Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.

Secrets and LiesEP 2Available

Secrets and Lies

45m5.9

As Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial.

A Striking CoincidenceEP 3Available

A Striking Coincidence

46m7.1

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.

A Prosecution TrickeryEP 4Available

A Prosecution Trickery

44m7.3

As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.

A Weak CaseEP 5Available

A Weak Case

47m7.3

The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.

The Prosecution's RevengeEP 6Available

The Prosecution's Revenge

47m7.3

A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.

The Blow Poke ReturnsEP 7Available

The Blow Poke Returns

50m7.7

Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.

The VerdictEP 8Available

The Verdict

49m8.7

Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.

Reopening the CaseEP 9Available

Reopening the Case

55m7.7

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.

The Last ChanceEP 10Available

The Last Chance

52m7.5

After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.

Looking for ClosureEP 11Available

Looking for Closure

52m7.6

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.

Between Anger and DespairEP 12Available

Between Anger and Despair

46m7.6

Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.

Flawed JusticeEP 13Available

Flawed Justice

46m8.1

Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.

Cast

Michael Peterson

Self

Michael Peterson

Ron Guerette

Self

Ron Guerette

Tom Maher

Self

Tom Maher

David Rudolf

Self

David Rudolf

Bill Peterson

Self

Bill Peterson

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