A drama exploring the ethics of the justice system, “Making a Murderer” has gained popularity.
Lately, Netflix has come out with numerous critically-acclaimed shows. Shows such as “Marcos” and “Orange is the New Black” have had great responses from viewers. Netflix’s latest installment, “Making a Murderer” is no different.
Shown as a ten-part episodic crime documentary, “Making a Murderer” covers the story of Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
The documentary is shot through a span of 10 years. In 2003, Steven Avery was released from prison, where he was incarcerated for 18 years for a crime he did not commit. Soon after his release, Avery was arrested for another crime, the murder of Teresa Halbach.
From the beginning, it looked evident that Avery was the killer. His blood was on the hood of Halbach’s car. Her bones were found in his yard. Avery was the last person to see her.
Case closed, right?
Maybe so. However, if you further watch the series, a disturbing number of unethical and questionable actions from people such as lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officials create a number of questions in the mind of the viewer. This documentary brought up much debate and speculation because of how unfair and unethical the case was. By the end of the series, you’ll be questioning almost everything you thought about the Avery-Halbach case.
“Making a Murder” is not just a great crime documentary. It is also a statement on how the justice system can be so flawed, morally bankrupt, and unforgiving.
Throughout the series, it is evident that the justice system was out to get Steven Avery. The suspicion of police tampering with evidence can raise questions in the viewer’s mind — questions about what would happen if someone was in the same position as Avery: life in prison for a crime they may have not committed. In this case, saying “innocent until proven guilty” seems to not matter.
The title itself, “Making a Murderer” is a play on what makes Steven Avery a murderer. Is it that the law officials purposefully framed him for murder, or is it that the 18 years spent in prison were what made Avery a murderer?
Overall, “Making a Murderer” is the greatest series that Netflix has come out with. The mix of grit, suspense, and drama keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. Whether Avery is guilty or not, his case has brought a truly remarkable story to viewers.
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