Ep 10. Fighting for Their Lives

As the tense, gripping first season of Making a Murderer reaches its tenth and final episode, titled "Fighting for Their Lives," viewers find themselves more invested than ever in the fate of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey. The previous nine episodes have painstakingly chronicled the story of Avery and Dassey, two men from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin who were convicted of the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. The series has raised troubling questions about the integrity of Manitowoc's justice system, and many viewers have been left feeling outraged and bewildered by the trials and appeals that have taken place since Avery and Dassey were first convicted.

" Fighting for Their Lives" finds both men still in prison, but their legal teams continue to fight for their freedom. Dassey's case has been particularly contentious, as his confession to involvement in Halbach's murder has been called into question; some have argued that Dassey was coerced into making false confessions by detectives who used unethical tactics. In this episode, Dassey's attorneys fight to have his confession tossed out as evidence, arguing that it was obtained in violation of his constitutional rights. Meanwhile, Avery's attorneys work to mount a robust appeal, hoping to convince a higher court to overturn his conviction and grant him a new trial.

As is typical of Making a Murderer, " Fighting for Their Lives" is a slow-burn episode that takes its time exploring the nuances of the legal process. Viewers follow Avery and Dassey's attorneys as they pore over court documents, strategize about how to challenge the prosecution's evidence, and argue their cases in front of judges. The episode does not include much in the way of bombshell revelations or major plot twists; instead, it offers a detailed look at the complexities of criminal appeals and the often-frustrating process of trying to prove a defendant's innocence.

One of the most notable aspects of " Fighting for Their Lives" is the way it highlights the stark differences between Avery and Dassey's legal battles. While both are fighting to overturn their convictions, their cases have taken very different paths. Dassey's defense is primarily focused on challenging the admissibility of his confession, while Avery's attorneys are waging a broader campaign to discredit the prosecution's case as a whole. The episode underscores the fact that fighting for justice in the American legal system often requires highly specialized knowledge and a strategic approach tailored to each individual case.

Despite the often-technical nature of the episode, there are still plenty of tense moments that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. At one point, Dassey's attorney Laura Nirider argues passionately in front of a three-judge panel, making an emotional appeal for the court to grant her client a new trial. Her speech is delivered with a palpable sense of urgency that drives home the high stakes of this legal battle. Meanwhile, Avery's attorney Kathleen Zellner launches a meticulous investigation into key pieces of evidence from the trial, attempting to find evidence that can prove her client's innocence.

Overall, " Fighting for Their Lives" offers a fitting conclusion to a season that has been equal parts fascinating and infuriating. As Avery and Dassey's legal battles continue to play out in real life, viewers are left to ponder the many questions raised by Making a Murderer. Is it possible for the American justice system to be fair and unbiased? Are Avery and Dassey innocent, or were they rightfully convicted of a heinous crime? And what can be done to ensure that those accused of crimes in the United States receive a fair and just trial? Making a Murderer may not provide clear-cut answers to these questions, but it has undoubtedly forced audiences to grapple with some difficult truths about the state of our legal system.