The documentary "The Staircase" premiered on Netflix, reigniting a national fascination with the Peterson legal saga that had once faded from the spotlight. With its airing, however, the intrigue was rekindled, and HBO capitalized on the renewed interest by crafting a dramatic adaptation, not of the case itself, but of its complex subjects.
Starring Colin Firth and Toni Collette, this adaptation delves deeper into the lives of the Petersons, beyond the courtroom drama. The first episode, titled "Death on the Staircase," introduces the central conflict as compellingly as the original documentary, yet offers a richer tapestry of the family's lives. It's a thrilling entry point into the Petersons' world, though the rapid pace may leave you breathless as you soak in the shocking details of the death/murder.
As episode 1 unfolds, a frantic 911 call pierces the silence of one of Durham's prestigious homes, its chilling conclusion echoing: "She's not breathing." In a flashback to 2002, Michael Peterson awakens with that call ringing in his ears. We witness Todd, Michael's son, racing into the house, sirens blaring, with his girlfriend in tow. The source of the commotion becomes apparent: the lifeless body of his stepmother, Kathleen Peterson. Todd tries to console his distraught father, whose bloodied attire is a gruesome testament to the horror that unfolded.
The forensic team examines Kathleen's body and the surrounding area, while Michael struggles to contain his panic as the police take control of the "crime scene." The difficult task of breaking the news to the extended family falls on Michael's shoulders. He calls his brother Bill, who vows to secure a trial lawyer for Michael and rushes to their home in Durham.
The creators skillfully employ flashbacks to piece together the events leading up to the murder, not necessarily to solve the mystery but to provide insights into the couple's relationship and mental states. Kathleen heads a successful IT giant, Nortel, while Michael is a prolific columnist who has just sold the rights to his book to a movie production. Kathleen grapples with work stress, her responsibilities weighing heavier as she faces the impending merger and the threat of losing her position.
The police delve into Michael's peculiar behavior, uncovering odd incidents like his cryptic phone call, saying, "get ready to get your arse pounded." These bizarre snippets are interwoven with the main narrative, adding layers of intrigue to the already compelling story.
In the haunting flashback, Kathleen's personality shifts like a chameleon, revealing a volatile side. Without a word, she dives into a pool at a festive gathering, injuring her neck and narrowly escaping a watery grave. Despite their relationship's imperfections, there was an undeniable bond of love between them.
In the present, their large family is besieged by media scrutiny and police attention. Michael, a staunch critic of local law enforcement, finds his unpopular stance working against him as post-mortem findings and the DA's proactive stance land him in hot water. The police uncover bizarre evidence from his home—gay pornography from his computer, a used condom he vehemently denies, and the perplexing mystery of Kathleen's alleged fall down the stairs.
Kathleen's sisters, Candice and Lori, are convinced by the DA's evidence that Michael played a role in her death, firmly standing against him. However, Kathleen and Michael's children remain steadfast in their support for their father.
Following Michael's arrest for further investigation, the family issues public statements and retains a renowned defense lawyer, David Rudolf. The children, too, grapple with the fractured dynamics within their own ranks, divided between Kathleen and Michael's biological offspring, harboring grudges and resentment.
The saga commences with the revelation that Kathleen's death was not instantaneous; she fought for her life. Even more damning is the fact that she passed away long before Michael dialed 911, uttering, "She's not breathing."
The closing scene initially left me bewildered, but further probes unveiled it as a snippet from the future, where Michael has remarried and embarked on a new chapter. How and when this transpired remains a mystery, but for now, that is all we know. An intriguing twist was the heightened interest of the French documentarians who filmed the original documentary, now drawn deeper into the intricate case.
