Ep 1. Eighteen Years Lost

In the first episode of Making a Murderer, titled "Eighteen Years Lost," we are introduced to the central figure of the show, Steven Avery. Avery, a resident of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a sexual assault in 1985. He spent the next 18 years in prison before DNA evidence finally proved his innocence.

The episode begins by detailing the events leading up to Avery's arrest and conviction for the sexual assault. We learn that Avery was a known troublemaker in the area, with a history of petty crimes and run-ins with the law enforcement community. However, despite the lack of evidence linking him to the crime, Avery was found guilty and sentenced to prison.

The show then shifts its focus to Avery's family, who played an important role in lobbying for his release. We are introduced to Avery's parents, siblings, and children, all of whom were devastated by his imprisonment. We see the toll that this ordeal took on the family, both emotionally and financially.

However, the episode also hints at some of the more contentious issues that would come to light later in the series. For example, we learn that Avery was in the process of filing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the county at the time of his arrest for the sexual assault. Additionally, we see how contentious his relationship with local law enforcement had become, with some officials openly expressing their dislike of him.

Despite the challenges he faced, Avery remained hopeful throughout his time behind bars. He continued to maintain his innocence and eventually caught the attention of the Wisconsin Innocence Project, a legal organization dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions. With the help of this group, Avery was eventually exonerated and released from prison.

The episode ends with Avery's triumphant return to Manitowoc County and his reunion with his family. However, it's clear that the damage has been done, both to Avery's life and to the reputation of the local justice system. The show sets the stage for what promises to be an intense exploration of the legal and moral issues at play in the case of Steven Avery.

Overall, the first episode of Making a Murderer is a compelling introduction to the story of Steven Avery. Viewers will undoubtedly be left eager to learn more about the events that led to his imprisonment and ultimate exoneration, setting the stage for the gripping drama that unfolds in the rest of the series.