In the year 2017, Mike and Sophia found solace in each other's arms. Following the dramatic revelation of Sophia's visit to Mike in prison in the previous episode, episode 6 of "The Stairs" opens with intimate moments showcasing their bond and aspirations for a life together. Larry, whose cliffhanger at the end of the last episode left viewers on tenterhooks, now shares his revelation with Sophia. His eccentric theory postulates that an owl was the culprit behind Kathleen's demise. Before you dismiss him as a madman, Larry has a rationale, albeit eccentric.
The region had witnessed numerous confirmed owl attacks during that period, each one targeting its victim from behind, precisely on the back of their heads. The barred owls, renowned for their aggression and territoriality during mating season, swooped down on Kathleen while she was outdoors. In a struggle to fend off the attack, Kathleen fought back, but the owl flew away unscathed. Disoriented, Kathleen left a trail of blood as she stumbled back inside, drops staining the floor and smudges adorning the door handles. Determined to fetch some linen from the closet overhead, she ascended the stairs, but unfortunately, her balance faltered.
Meanwhile, Mike's second appeal was denied, signaling the end of his legal journey, as Rudolf explained that there were no further avenues to explore. The news spread to Mike's family, who gathered to offer their support to their father, along with Sophia. Despite their efforts to lift his spirits and create a warm atmosphere, Mike, in a stubborn display, hinted at wanting them to refrain from visiting. The Petersons were never a close-knit family, and the tensions that had surfaced during the trial were a testament to their strained relationships, even when Kathleen was alive.
One such instance was the last Thanksgiving Mike and Kathleen's family shared with her. Surprisingly, it was only Claire who accompanied them to Candace's house, as Mike's children chose to stay away for the holidays. Instead, they met up in pairs: Clay and Todd, despite their deep-seated hatred that had been so evident in the house.
In the bustling city of San Francisco, Martha resides with her partner, while a surprising turn of events sees Margaret grace Blair and her husband's doorstep. This glimpse into the intricate tapestry of a fractured family reveals not just the strained relationships but also fleeting moments of tenderness that etch indelible memories. The wounded children, burdened with their own issues, find themselves estranged not only from each other but from their inner selves. Margaret's unexpected visit acts as a catalyst, spilling the secrets of the past that have long festered within her.
Once upon a time, Patty relinquished custody of her daughters to Blair, but Mike reclaimed them. However, when Martha's behavioral troubles surfaced, Mike contemplated sending her to Blair while retaining Margaret. Sophie, meanwhile, is enthralled by Larry's theory and dives into researching it alongside him. Jean sends a team to document their findings as they uncover clues that were previously overlooked and align with the theory. Their investigation deepens, and the evidence, reexamined, lends credence to their hypothesis. Sophie presents the evidence and fresh insights to Dr. Radisch, who, surprisingly, welcomes the new information. She agrees to reassess the body, mindful of these details, but faces a challenge since it is already interred. Exhumation is necessary, but first, a third reenactment is planned.
Sophie reaches out to Caitlin with the theory, but she refuses outright, requesting Sophie never to contact her again. The episode concludes in a manner reminiscent of its inception, with Mike's Alford plea in 2017. With freedom tantalizingly close, Mike stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his guilt in Kathleen's murder, declaring, "A lie cannot set you free."
