Ep 4. Welcome to Wisconsin

In Making a Murderer season 2 episode 4, titled Welcome to Wisconsin, viewers are taken on a deeper dive into the state's history and contentious relationship with the criminal justice system. The episode begins with an overview of the state's political landscape, notably the rise of conservative governance and how it has affected the criminal justice system. The focal point, however, is the case of Steven Avery, who has now spent over a decade in prison after being falsely convicted of a crime he didn't commit.

The narrative picks up where the last episode left off, with Avery's lawyer, Kathleen Zellner, continuing her investigation. She sifts through physical evidence, utilizes new technology, and enlists the help of a ballistics expert to prove her client's innocence. Alongside Zellner's efforts, viewers are given a glimpse into the case's broader context and how Avery's background and alleged misconduct have factored into his conviction.

The episode's main theme revolves around the tension between the justice system and the public whose trust it has lost. Viewers are introduced to a number of people who have run afoul of the law, particularly in Manitowoc County where Avery is from. Many of these cases appear to be mishandled, either by shoddy detective work, false confessions coerced by police, or lack of evidence. The question of why the justice system fails so consistently is a persistent one throughout the series and seems to grow more pressing as this episode unfolds.

Another key aspect of the episode is Avery's family dynamic. His parents are shown in a brief but powerful scene where they reflect on their son's situation and express their hope for his eventual exoneration. This could be seen as a poignant reminder of the human cost of wrongful conviction, and the impact that an unfair system can have on both the accused and their loved ones.

Throughout the entire episode, the intricate web of evidence is carefully and thoughtfully dissected. The viewer is introduced to new theories and explanations, particularly surrounding the investigation of the evidence in Avery's case. The episode raises critical questions on the investigative methods that were used to collect and analyze evidence, and whether there may have been procedural failings around evidence admissibility during trial. Various experts and academics share their opinions exposing the gaps that exist within the criminal investigations in the state.

Overall, this episode is a gripping investigation into criminal justice and how flawed the system can be, even in cases that seem like open-and-shut affairs. It lends further gravitas to the notion that those who are most in need of justice are those who are most often denied it. Making a Murderer season 2 episode 4 is a thought-provoking piece of television that is not only astonishing, but is also an urgent and powerful plea for greater public awareness.