‘The Staircase’ on HBO Max: Episode 4 release date and your questions answered

stairs — HBO Max’s new eight-episode miniseries exploring the life of novelist Michael Peterson and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen, is now airing and is an instant classic. The bloody, enigmatic and gripping show stars big names like Colin Firth, Sophie Turner and Patrick Schwarzenegger. He currently has a huge score of 95 on CNET’s sister site Metacritic.

The first three episodes began airing on Thursday, and if you’ve already seen them, you may have questions about how things turned out in real life or when we’ll be putting our true crime detective hats back on for episode 4. We’re here with answers.

Covered in books, podcasts, and in an acclaimed 2004 documentary of the same name, the high-profile 2001 case continues to spark debate and theories. If you haven’t seen episodes 1-3 of The Staircase, take note: there are some spoilers below.

When does The Staircase episode 4 air?

The first three episodes are available now and a new episode will be released every Thursday until June 9. That means episode 4 should debut on May 12.

How can I watch the documentary?

The 2004 documentary, also called The Staircase, is streaming on netflix. Directed by French documentary filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, originally issued as an eight-episode miniseries, but Netflix added two sequels from the director, as well as three additional follow-ups. some consider it be one of the best true crime docuseries out there.

The new HBO Max drama is directed by Antonio Campos, who started working on the project all the way. in 2008. The show is a co-production between HBO Max and Annapurna Television, and is written and produced by Campos and Maggie Cohn.

How are the show and the documentary related?

Interestingly, the filming of the 2004 documentary Staircase is part of the narrative in the new HBO Max show, with actor Vincent Vermignon playing Lestrade’s documentary filmmaker. We see the crew begin filming Peterson in episode 2.

The HBO Max series is not based solely on material from the documentary. It is also based on books and reports on the case. The dramatized show clearly differs from the documentary (we’ve got a lot more of Kathleen Peterson, for example), so you’ll want to tune in to both.

What happened in the real life case?

Kathleen Peterson, a forty-eight-year-old business executive, died on December 9, 2001. Her husband, novelist Michael Peterson, told the 911 operators Kathleen had fallen down the stairs at her home in Durham, North Carolina. Still, he was charged with murder. before the month was up

In an autopsy report released in 2002lead pathologist Deborah Radisch concluded that Kathleen’s cause of death was a “serious concussion injury caused by multiple blunt impacts to the head…The number, severity, locations, and orientations of these injuries are unknown.” are consistent with a fall.” stairs, but are indicative of multiple impacts received as a result of a beating.”

The actual trial lasted three months in 2003, making it one of the longest trials ever held in North Carolina. tax kept Michael beat Kathleen to death, and the defense maintained that she accidentally fell to her death down several stairs. Michael’s sex life became public during the trial. To learn more about the case, venture a little further down (but beware: there are spoilers for the show).

Who are the main characters in HBO Max’s The Staircase?

There are many characters in this new version of The Staircase. If you’ve been trying to figure out who’s who in Michael and Kathleen’s extended family, you’re not alone.

Let’s start with the children.

Sophie Turner and Odessa Young play Margaret and Martha Ratliff, Michael Peterson’s adopted daughters in real life, who sided with him after Kathleen’s death. Olivia DeJonge plays Caitlin Atwater, the real-life daughter of Kathleen Peterson and her ex-husband, Fred Atwater. Caitlin finally gave evidence on the side of the prosecution.

Patrick Schwarzenegger and Dane DeHaan play Todd and Clayton Peterson, Michael’s real-life sons from his first marriage to Patricia Peterson.

Rosemarie DeWitt and Maria Dizzia play Kathleen’s real-life sisters Candace Zamperini and Lori Campbell, and Tim Guinee plays Michael’s brother Bill.

And of course Colin Firth is Michael and Toni Collette is Kathleen on the show.

Major spoilers: Where is Michael Peterson now?

In 2003, a jury found Michael Peterson guilty of murder after a three-month trial and he received a life sentence. However, the High Court Judge Orlando Hudson (who oversaw the original trial) granted Peterson a new trial in 2011 after finding blood spatter analyst Duane Deaver misled him and the jury. Peterson was released from prison on bail.

Peterson’s official launch came in 2017 after Alford pleaded guilty, allowing him to plead guilty while maintaining his innocence. He today she still lives in Durham, according to the Raleigh News and Observer.