
The Staircase
S1 · E1IMDB:
7.6
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.

The Staircase
Season 1 · Episode 1IMDB:
7.6Released
10/7/2004
Genre
Documentary, Crime
Cast
Michael Peterson, Ron Guerette, Tom Maher
Duration
0h 46m
Country
France
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
EP 1AvailableCrime 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.

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.
EP 2AvailableSecrets 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.

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.
EP 3AvailableA 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.

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.
EP 4AvailableA Prosecution Trickery
As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.

A Prosecution Trickery
As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.
EP 5AvailableA Weak Case
The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.

A Weak Case
The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.
EP 6AvailableThe 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.

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.
EP 7AvailableThe 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.

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.
EP 8AvailableThe Verdict
Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.

The Verdict
Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.
EP 9AvailableReopening 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.

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.
EP 10AvailableThe 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.

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.
EP 11AvailableLooking 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.

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.
EP 12AvailableBetween 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.

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.
EP 13AvailableFlawed Justice
Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.

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

Self
Michael Peterson

Self
Ron Guerette

Self
Tom Maher

Self
David Rudolf

Self









