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The Worst Episodes of The Staircase

Every episode of The Staircase ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The Staircase!

Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, presents a gripping courtroom thriller, offering a rare and revealing inside look at a high-profile murder trial. In...
Genres:DocumentaryCrime
Episodes
13
Avg. Rating
7.4
S1
S2
S3
S4
E1
E2
E3
7.2
6.1
7.2

Worst Episodes Summary

"Secrets and Lies" is the worst rated episode of "The Staircase". It scored 6.1/10 based on 7 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 10/7/2004. This episode scored 0.9 points lower than the second lowest rated, "A Weak Case".

  • Secrets and Lies
    6.1/10(7)
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    #1 - Secrets and Lies

    Season 1 Episode 2

    Aired 10/7/2004

    As Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • A Weak Case
    7.0/10(6)
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    #2 - A Weak Case

    Season 1 Episode 5

    Aired 10/21/2004

    The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Crime or Accident?
    7.2/10(6)
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    #3 - Crime or Accident?

    Season 1 Episode 1

    Aired 10/7/2004

    Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • A Striking Coincidence
    7.2/10(5)
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    #4 - A Striking Coincidence

    Season 1 Episode 3

    Aired 10/14/2004

    The death of another woman close to Peterson from 17 years earlier sparks a new investigation. She also died on a staircase, casting major doubts over the defense case.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • A Prosecution Trickery
    7.2/10(6)
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    #5 - A Prosecution Trickery

    Season 1 Episode 4

    Aired 10/14/2004

    As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Prosecution's Revenge
    7.2/10(5)
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    #6 - The Prosecution's Revenge

    Season 1 Episode 6

    Aired 10/21/2004

    A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Last Chance
    7.2/10(5)
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    #7 - The Last Chance

    Season 1 Episode 10

    Aired 1/30/2013

    After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Blow Poke Returns
    7.6/10(5)
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    #8 - The Blow Poke Returns

    Season 1 Episode 7

    Aired 10/28/2004

    Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Reopening the Case
    7.6/10(5)
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    #9 - Reopening the Case

    Season 1 Episode 9

    Aired 1/30/2013

    Eight years later, the possibility that a key witness for the prosecution may have misled the jury could prompt the need for a new trial.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Looking for Closure
    7.7/10(6)
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    #10 - Looking for Closure

    Season 1 Episode 11

    Aired 6/8/2018

    Following two and a half years of house arrest, Michael must decide whether to push for a plea or risk his freedom with a new trial.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Between Anger and Despair
    7.7/10(6)
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    #11 - Between Anger and Despair

    Season 1 Episode 12

    Aired 6/8/2018

    Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Flawed Justice
    8.2/10(5)
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    #12 - Flawed Justice

    Season 1 Episode 13

    Aired 6/8/2018

    Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The Verdict
    8.6/10(5)
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    #13 - The Verdict

    Season 1 Episode 8

    Aired 10/28/2004

    Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A