Episode 2 of The Staircase kicks off with the French documentarians deliberating on whether to embark on this tale, a gift to the public thanks to their diligent efforts. Their core purpose is revealed: to showcase the entire story, leaving it to the audience to determine the truth. The awkward family Christmas dinner, unfolding two weeks after Kathleen's demise in December 2001, uncovers two significant revelations. Firstly, Auntie Blair's phone call concerning a "disturbing incident" in Germany. Secondly, the palpable tension emanating from Michael, wavering between Candace and Lori's allegiances.
The narrative then shifts to a pivotal event two months prior to Kathleen's death, a fundraiser planned for Michael's campaign. Kathleen and Michael shared a common aspiration for its success, yet it clashed with Kathleen's scheduled visit to her biological daughter, Caitlin. Despite her reluctance, Kathleen conceded to attend the fundraiser.
Furthermore, the first glimpse of Michael's bisexuality unfolds in the gym, as he flirts with a visitor from afar. Together with Billy, they decide to reveal to the children the photographs that the District Attorney intends to use in the trial. Michael and his team discuss the French filmmakers, ultimately agreeing in principle to allow them to film the documentary, a platform to showcase Michael's perspective.
The bail is secured, and Michael steps back into his familiar surroundings. However, Caitlin stands uncertain amidst the turmoil. Doubts cloud her mind about Michael's true affections for her mother, leading her to opt for staying with her biological father, Fred, in a hotel. Her fears are validated when she meets Margaret and her sister, discussing a potential shift in allegiances.
As we leap forward to February 2017, an older Mike appears, accompanied by a new partner. Unexpectedly, he encounters the head of SBI, a forensic agency utilized by the District Attorney to reconstruct the fateful staircase incident. Mike is rattled and flees without obtaining any crucial information.
The defense team gathers to strategize for the impending trial. A diverse array of experts in blood splatter analysis, biomechanics, and other fields are summoned to scrutinize the spot where Kathleen's body was discovered. Caitlin's shock intensifies when one of her personal school projects is unwittingly utilized by the defense lawyers in a filmed interview with a media personality, aimed at discrediting Fred.
Flashbacks reveal a successful fundraiser held in the house, where Kathleen and Mike appear content yet with an underlying tension between them. The team reconstructs the details of the fall for the trial, offering a re-enactment of what might have transpired that fateful night.
As the documentarians arrive, the children disperse to their daily routines. In a bizarre climax, Candace unexpectedly retrieves a poker from the fireplace and, without warning, begins striking a cushion with it. She declares it to be the murder weapon, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
