With the season finale episode, HBO Max’s The Staircase will return for one last time. Antonio Campos’ latest 8-episode true-crime docuseries, chronicling novelist Michael Peterson’s (Colin Firth) life after his wife Kathleen Peterson’s (Toni Collette) unexpected death, began on May 5.
Despite the fact that a 2004 documentary series of the same name attempted to cover the controversial murder trial in ten long episodes (now available on Netflix), one could argue that HBO Max’s ongoing version of the murder case is more dramatic because it follows the case’s books and reports, giving the adaptation a little edge.
Kathleen’s death is the subject of The Staircase. Her husband, Michael Peterson, discovered her at the foot of the steps, but it did not appear to be an accident. Is Michael completely blameless?
The Staircase Recap [Finale] Episode 8 Ending Explained! Who Killed Kathleen?
With episode 8 marking the end of the limited series, all eyes are on The Staircase and its star-studded ensemble (which includes Sophie Turner and Patrick Schwarzenegger), who have won widespread praise for their efforts in navigating Peterson’s contested trial.
Let’s take a look at what to expect from the forthcoming episode of the compelling docuseries ahead of the finale premiere.
What to expect in The Staircase episode 8 and the plot so far
Episode 8, titled America’s Sweetheart or: Time Over Time, will premiere at 3 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 9 on HBO MAX. As The Staircase comes to an end, the true-crime series depicts what happened in the years after Kathleen’s death.
Kathleen’s cause of death was determined to be no longer an outlier in episode 7, since another murder victim, Dennis Rowe, also died without any fractures. Sophie discovers that Dennis may have slept with Michael previous to Kathleen’s murder. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been accused of failing to do its job, according to local news sources. Kathleen informs Michael in 2001 that all of her stock has lost value. As a result, they are in danger of becoming bankrupt.
According to the official synopsis for The Staircase finale:
As David angles for a retrial in 2011, in 2017, Michael faces another hearing and Sophie comes to terms with a revelation.” says the synopsis.
Despite the fact that most viewers already know the ending of the case, The Staircase succeeds in conveying the story in a suspenseful manner.
At the very least, Michael will encounter Caitlin in one scene, but it will not be a joyous event. Following the mounting debate, the Peterson family will split completely, with some remaining loyal and siding with Michael, and others either distancing themselves or leaving the family.
While viewers may be able to watch Michael and Sophie’s budding romance, they may also be able to see the former’s nasty attitude, proving his plan to murder his wife for money. Nonetheless, one prediction stays firm: the season finale will end with the reason for Kathleen’s death left open and the offender revealed in front of the world.
Don’t miss the series finale, which is packed with drama. Episode 8 of The Staircase will debut on June 9, 2022.
