Ep 1. Chapter 1: Crime or Accident?

The Staircase is a true-crime documentary series that follows the case of Michael Peterson, a novelist who was accused of murdering his wife, Kathleen Peterson, in 2001. The first season consists of thirteen episodes, each exploring different aspects of the case and featuring interviews with Peterson, his family members, friends, and legal team.

Chapter 1: Crime or Accident? is the first episode of the series, and it sets the stage for the entire season. The episode begins with a frantic 911 call from Peterson, reporting that his wife had fallen down the stairs and was unconscious. Emergency responders arrived at the Petersons' home to find Kathleen lying at the bottom of the staircase with severe head injuries. She was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries.

The episode then dives into the investigation of Kathleen's death, which quickly turned into a murder case. The police began to suspect Peterson, who initially cooperated with the investigation but eventually became a suspect. The episode features interviews with the lead investigator and prosecutor in the case, who explain why they felt Peterson was the killer.

However, Peterson's defense team believed that Kathleen's death was an accident. They argued that she had fallen down the stairs due to a combination of alcohol and medication, which had impaired her balance. The defense team also pointed to other factors, such as the fact that the stairs were steep and narrow, and that Kathleen had experienced vertigo in the past.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to Peterson's family and friends, who provide insight into his character and his relationship with Kathleen. They describe him as loving, dedicated, and a caring father to the couple's two adopted daughters. Peterson is portrayed as a compassionate and charismatic figure, with a passion for writing and politics.

The episode concludes with Peterson's arrest for Kathleen's murder and sets the stage for the legal battle that would follow. The audience is left wondering whether Peterson is guilty of the crime or whether it was an accident, and the episode sparks a conversation about the nature of justice and the ability of the legal system to fairly adjudicate complex cases.

Overall, Chapter 1: Crime or Accident? is a gripping introduction to The Staircase, which presents a portrait of a fascinating, complex case that challenges our perceptions of truth and justice. The episode raises important questions about the role of the legal system in determining guilt and provides tantalizing hints about the twists and turns that lie ahead in the series.